In Hindu mythology, the half-human, half-horse creature called kinnari represents the positive feminine attributes of beauty, charm, poise, and elegance. When this tradition was adapted in Southeast Asia, the half-horse creature became half-bird.

This piece with a solid gold head bears facial features typical of a Filipino woman: almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones, not so pointed nose, and thick lips. The kinnari has her hair gathered in a low bun. Probably used as a liquid pourer, the body of the bird is hollow but connects to holes on the front, likely a spout of the vessel.