What is "chinthe"

The Chinthe (, ; , ; , ) is a leogryph (lion-like creature) that is often seen at the entrances of pagodas and temples in Burma and other South and Southeast Asian countries. The chinthe is featured prominently on the kyat (the currency of Burma) and the Sri Lankan rupee. The chinthe is almost always depicted in pairs, and serve to protect the pagoda. They typically appear as animals, but are sometimes found with human faces.