Assyria
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This human headed winged bull guarded the palace at Khorsabad. The head contains a long curled beard with a very bold expression, its headgear contains two pairs of horns symbolizing divinity. These winged bulls guarded the palace doorways to "repulse the wicked" according to Esarhaddon. Winged bull with human head, from the palace of Sargon II at Khorsabad. Once stood guard against evil spirits at the gateway to the palace of Sargon II at Dur Sharrukin. It wears a crown with horns. The sculptors gave these animals five legs so that they were in proper perspective both from the front and from the side. The monster bull, which stands 14 1/2 feet high, is accompanied by his winged tutelary spirit. British Museum.
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