The Nyak (or yaksha as they are known in Thailand) are often seen as guardians of wats in Laos and Thailand and are important mythological beings in Lao and Thai mythology that have a Hindu origin. In Lao epics and stories, such as Sinxay, nyaks are seen as a kind of ogre, though in general nyaks are thought of as benign nature spirits, despite their somewhat frightening appearance.
In Laos and Thailand they can often be seen as statues protecting temples (wats). Nyak statues are usually stationed facing the gates, with their backs to the temple they guard. An exception is at Wat Phra Kaew, where they face the shrine of the Emerald Buddha to protect the Emerald Buddha.
Please click on the Additional Images to see a photo of the pin taken with a dime to provide a size comparison, plus there is a photo of nyaks guarding a wat in Vientiane, Laos.
