An Assyrian protective deity in the form of a winged, human-headed bull or lion. Colossal sculpted stone lamassu (pl.) were often placed as guardians flanking city gates and the doorways of Assyrian palaces. When so placed, lamassu sculptures usually have five legs, so they appear to stand when seen from the front and walk when seen from the side. Web resource here. Video here.

Lamassu. From Khorsabad, Iraq. Gypseous alabaster. 713-705 BCE. Musée du Louvre, Paris.