Lamassu Bags
Description: Lamassus at the Louvre. ... Called a Lamassu (meaning “protective spirit” in Akkadian), he is one of a pair who was usually found flanking the doorways to Assyrian palaces. One of the things I find so clever about them is why they have five legs; If you look at them from straight on, they're standing at attention, still.
Description: Lamassu is a type of mythological creature that originated in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly in the civilizations of Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria. It is often depicted as a hybrid being with the body of a bull or lion and the wings of an eagle. Additionally, it possesses a human head, usually bearded, representing intelligence, magick and wisdom. As divine guardians and mythical creatures, they hold significant religious and cultural significance in Mesopotamian civilization. Today, these ancient artifacts are treasured archaeological finds.
Description: This winged lion hails from Ashurbanipal II's palace in Nimrud. It was one of the great stone statues depicting winged animals placed on the thresholds of the palace to protect the king from curses and to impress all who entered. These animals wear horned caps typical of ancient Near Eastern deities. This five-legged lion, if seen from the front, appears to be immobile, but if seen from the other side, it advances. Represented in this way, the lion appears complete both seen from the front and in profile, making clear its supernatural and protective powers from both points of view.
