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Object 5 of 16
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GUARDIAN LIONS of asia

Where they can be found
Guardian lions are common sights in protected or sacred spaces and in public and private structures. They may be made of stone, bronze, or iron, and the size may vary depending on the structure the lions are guarding. Sometimes called "foo lions' or 'foo dogs,' they are styled differently depending on their origin but always appear in pairs. Here at the Hilton, pairs of these animals guard spaces on the walkway, bridges, and doorways out on the grounds.
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Materials:Stone, iron, or bronze.
Date or Period:Varies, but most here are 20th century.
Origin: Asia, Southeast Asia
Meaning: Used to guard or protect sacred spaces
READ THE STORY, BELOW
They are often called “foo dogs,” but look again: these are lions—at least in symbolic form. As images of the lion traveled across Asia, artists in different regions transformed an animal few had ever seen into something distinctly their own.
  • Chinese guardian lions (shishi) acquired curling manes and symbolic objects.
  • Burmese chinthe developed towering bodies and flame-like ornament.
  • Thai singha became alert, elegant protectors.
  • In Bali, lions could take on the staring eyes, elaborate carving, and supernatural energy of the island’s temple guardians.
The stone pair nearby offers an important clue. One lion places a paw on a decorated ball; the other protects a cub. This pairing echoes a long-established Chinese formula associated with authority, continuity, and protection. Traditionally, such figures guarded thresholds. Here at Waikoloa, they have been given a similar role: some watch garden paths, some stand along the corridor, and a smaller pair flank the seated flute player. Together, they have become guardians of the collection itself.
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fierce faces at the threshold

BURMESE STYLE OF GUARDIAN LION
"CHINTHE"

THAI or Siamese STYLE OF GUARDIAN LION

"SINGHA"

CHINESE STYLE OF GUARDIAN LION

"SHISHI"

The lions are always presented in pairs, a manifestation of yin and yang, the female representing yin and the male yang. The male lion has his right front paw on a type of cloth ball simply called an "embroidered ball" (繡球; xiù qiú), which is sometimes carved with a geometric pattern. The female is essentially identical, but has a cub under the left paw, representing the cycle of life. Symbolically, the female lion protects those dwelling inside (the living soul within), while the male guards the structure (the external material elements). Sometimes the female has her mouth closed, and the male has his open. This symbolizes the enunciation of the sacred word "om."
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tablet tours

On the tablet: Compare the Balinese, Burmese, and Thai forms—and learn how the lion traveled across Asia without ever looking quite the same twice.See Guardian lions as they protect temples, palaces, and other locations in Asia.
Guardian Lions Appear on These Tablet Tours
  • Walkway Highlights Tour
    • Walkway Highlights Tour
    • The Path to Enlightenment
    • The Jade Emperor's Many Lions*
    • Waikoloa Keiki and the Secret of the Jungle Temple*
    • Night at the Museum Walkway**
    * Children's program ** Family program
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    Male Shishi (Chinese-style guardian lion
    Female Shishi (Chinese-style guardian lion
    • Can you tell where the lions come from by their mane?
    • How are the lions' tails different?
    • Check the placement. Are the male lions always on the right as you enter?
    Look Closer
    • How many pairs of guardian lions do you see on the walkway?
    • When you see a pair of lions, what are they protecting?
    • Which of the lions are from China, and how can you tell?
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    keiki connection
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    Stories Etched in Gold: Burmese Kalaga textile tapestriesTap or click on image to go.
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