In Buddhism, there are eight demigods, or “Eight Classes of Beings,” that protect the faith and its believers: Deva, Yaksha, Gandharva, Garuda, Asura, Kinnara, Mahoraga, and Naga. The figures seen here, which were originally carved on the platform of a stone pagoda, are an Asura and a Gandharva. Asuras, usually depicted with three faces and six arms, were deities that engaged in constant battle, and were absorbed into Buddhism as fearsome protectors. Gandharvas, recognizable by their lion-head hats, praise Buddhism by singing and dancing at the Buddha’s preaching.