Crowned male figure, making a gesture of respect

Who is this figure, with his princely garments, posture of respect, and rather wistful expression? It must be a minor deity or celestial being of some sort because in traditional Burmese contexts mortals, even kings, were rarely represented in sculpture. He might be one of the thirty-seven nats—a group of powerful spirits who need to be pacified with offerings—but his characteristics do not match those of any of the thirtyseven as recorded in manuals.

Other possible identities are the deity Indra, who reverently accompanies the Buddha at a number of moments in his legendary life, or one of the Four Guardian Kings of the cardinal directions.