A lamassu is a mythical creature from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, depicted as a winged bull or lion with a human head. These statues were typically placed at the entrances of palaces and temples, serving as protective guardians. They symbolized strength and protection, often meant to ward off evil spirits and provide a sense of security to the inhabitants. Notable examples can be found in the ruins of the Assyrian cities, such as Nineveh and Khorsabad.
The tools needed to make a Lamassu were as simple as a chisel. The Lamassus are made by using the chisel and subtracting pieces of stone from it.
The Narmer or Menes head dress.
They were originally in the Assyrian Palace of Sargon II ca. 750 BCE in Mesopotamia.
The statue is an Assyrian protective deity, often depicted with a bull or lion's body, eagle's wings, and human's head. For the time, is wasn't so unusual but comparing it with modern statues or catholic statues, it is very different because of the animal body. Modern saints have a common human body.
Lotus flowers were placed in between the wrappings!!
The tools needed to make a Lamassu were as simple as a chisel. The Lamassus are made by using the chisel and subtracting pieces of stone from it.
A lamassu is typically made of stone, such as limestone or alabaster. These large, protective Assyrian mythical creatures often have the body of a lion, wings of an eagle, and a human head. The stone is carved and sculpted to create intricate details for the lamassu.
Lamassu figures of Assyria
Lamassu
The Assyrian winged bull means protection. It was often placed on houses to signify protection from evil forces. They often look towards the cardinal points.
The Narmer or Menes head dress.
The Lamassu is a protective deity in ancient Mesopotamian mythology, often depicted as a winged lion or bull with a human head. It was believed to guard the entrances to cities and palaces, protecting them from evil spirits and malevolent forces.
Human-headed winged bulls were protective genies called shedu or lamassu, and were placed as guardians at certain gates or doorways of the city and the palace. Symbols combining man, bull, and bird, they offered protection against enemies.
Over 16 ft tall and weighs approx. 40 tons
They were originally in the Assyrian Palace of Sargon II ca. 750 BCE in Mesopotamia.
The lamassu were protective spirits in ancient Mesopotamian mythology, dating back to the Assyrian and Babylonian civilizations from around 3000 to 600 BCE. They were often depicted as winged human-headed bulls or lions standing at the entrances of palaces and temples to ward off evil spirits.
I believe it's a Griffin - the Greek mythological monster with the body of a lion , and the head and wings of an eagle , also sometimes spelled Gryphon