The Lamassu

I was lucky enough to visit the British Museum last year.  My visit was on a Friday night, about an hour before closing, when it had that magic-twilight empty “night at the museum” quality.  

Friday night in Assyria

In the fabulous Assyrian collection is the lamassu, a winged, human-headed lion. He guarded the entrances into the throne room of King Ashurnasirpal II (883-859 BC).  Lamassus also guarded the gates of cities. According to the British Museum, “The helmet with horns indicates the creature's divinity.”

The museum also has relief panels in its Ninevah room showing the transport of lamassu sculptures. According to the Museum, these guys weighed up to 30 tons. You think they would have carved them in place, but maybe the king didn’t like the hammering.

Their most interesting feature, and one I completely failed to notice, is that lamassus all have five legs. From the front, they appear to be standing firm and protecting the gates, and from the side, striding forward, going forth to protect the city.

Photo from the British Museum -
count the feet!

I wonder how this came about? A mistake? Two sculptures seem from an angle that gave someone a great idea?  Or just one visionary sculptor?  If ever you feel like a fifth wheel, remember lamassu guarding the king from the demons of chaos, and take heart. You’re in good company.  

If you want to read more, here is the British Museum’s  description of the lamassu.