This colossal statue is one of a pair of guardian figures that flanked one of the entrances into the throne room of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud (ancient Kalhu, or Calah) in northern Iraq. Stone mythological guardians, sculpted in relief or in the round, were often placed at gateways to ancient Mesopotamian palaces, to protect them from demonic forces. This statue is currently held by the British Museum. (object number ANE 118802).
Keywords: Iraq, Ninawa, Kalah, Nimrud, Assyrian. Submitted by Paul Young for ARCH 600: History of Ancient and Medieval Architecture.