Human-headed Winged Bull

A human-headed winged bull, also known as a lamassu, is a mythical creature with the body of a bull, the wings of an eagle, and the head of a human. It is a common motif in Mesopotamian art, and it was often used to guard the entrances to palaces and temples.

Lamassus were believed to be powerful protective spirits, and they were also associated with royalty and divinity. They were often depicted with five legs, which symbolized their ability to see in all directions. They were also often depicted with horns, which symbolized their strength and power.

Lamassus were first depicted in Mesopotamian art in the 4th millennium BCE. They became increasingly popular in the Assyrian period (9th-7th centuries BCE), and they were also used in Babylonian and Persian art.

Some of the most famous examples of lamassus are the human-headed winged bulls from the palace of King Sargon II at Khorsabad. These lamassus are over 5 meters tall and weigh over 40 tons. They are now on display at the Oriental Institute Museum at the University of Chicago.

Lamassus continue to fascinate people today. They are often used as symbols of strength, power, and protection. They are also popular subjects of art and literature.

Here are some possible interpretations of the human-headed winged bull:

A guardian spirit that protects the entrance to a sacred space
A symbol of the power and authority of the king
A link between the human and divine worlds
A representation of the four elements: earth (bull), air (eagle), fire (human), and water (wings)

Ultimately, the meaning of the human-headed winged bull is open to interpretation. However, it is clear that this mythical creature has been a powerful symbol in Mesopotamian art and culture for centuries.