Garuda, the animal companion (vahana) who accompanies Vishnu, is half bird, half man. Garuda has the torso of a man and the face, talons, and legs of a bird. This striking sculpture likely served as a finial at the apex of an elaborate throne back (torana.) It shows the mythical sun-bird Garuda with outstretched arms and wings, ready to fly. Newar sculptors were fond of this mythical creature and recast him over the centuries in a variety of delightfully imaginative forms. Even though Garuda is primarily the vahana of the Hindu god Vishnu, he frequently appears as the crowning motif in Nepalese shrines and toranas, both Buddhist and Hindu.