Why does the lamassu have a human head?
Why does the lamassu have a human head?
During the Neo-Assyrian Empire (c. 883-612), large monumental bulls, often with wings and always with human heads, were placed as gateway guardians at the entrances of royal palaces like Khorsabad and Nineveh. The general idea behind them was that they warded off evil. (In jargon: they were apotropaic figures.)
What does lamassu symbolize?
Lamassu represent the zodiacs, parent-stars, or constellations. They are depicted as protective deities because they encompass all life within them.
Was Nineveh a real city?
Nineveh, the oldest and most-populous city of the ancient Assyrian empire, situated on the east bank of the Tigris River and encircled by the modern city of Mosul, Iraq.
Who made the human headed winged lion?
king Ashurnasirpal II
The great Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II (r. 883–859 B.C.), undertook a vast building program at Nimrud, ancient Kalhu.
How does lamassu the human headed winged bull reflect Assyrian culture?
The horned cap attests to its divinity, and the belt signifies its power. The sculptor gave these guardian figures five legs so that they appear to be standing firmly when viewed from the front but striding forward when seen from the side. Lamassu protected and supported important doorways in Assyrian palaces.
What culture is the human headed winged lion?
Human-headed winged lion (lamassu) ca. 883–859 B.C. From the ninth to the seventh century B.C., the kings of Assyria ruled over a vast empire centered in northern Iraq.
What did Lamassu protect?
Lamassu were supernatural spirits, sometimes called demons or genies depending on which language you’re translating from, who served to protect the gods, as well as the important human structures. Lamassu always had the body (and therefore strength) of a bull, but the head (and therefore intelligence) of a human.
