25.) Lamassu from the Citadel of Sargon II, Dur Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad, Iraq). Neo-Assyrian. c. 720-705 BCE. Alabaster.

Form

-Human-headed animal -Five legs when seen from Front standing Side walking

Content

--Feelings of harmony and stability -Protective spirits are placed at either side of the gate as guardians

Function

Guardian figure -To ward off enemies both visible and invisible -Bore the weight of the arches above the gate

Context

Argon II founded a capital at Khorsabad, surrounded by a city wall with 7 gates.

Additional Information

--Four-tier headdress indicates it is a deity -Sketched onto a stone slab and cut away at the background. -The animal has 5 legs, allowing the viewer to see 4 legs from almost any pov.