Assyrian Gateways, protective spirits

myminifactory

These two panels are displayed together at the British Museum portraying the Assyrian relieves once decorating the North-West Palace in Nimrud.During the time of the Assyrian Empire, doors and gateways were thought of as key locations through which good or evil influences might enter.The building of entrances was accompanied by elaborate ceremonies, during which they were given names that would bring good fortune. The annals of the Assyrian kings tell us that the colossal figures -part man, part animal- that were placed on either side of important palace entrances not only adorned the building and impressed visitors but also guarded it: "Protecting colossal figures of stone which by their appearance ward off evil, guarding the footfall, protecting the path of the king their maker, I placed to the right and left of the thresholds."Beside or behind each colossal figure there was often a winged spirit carved in stone, carrying a magic cone and bucket. Other spirits might be shown in glazed bricks, like those above the arches of the main gates at Khorsabad, shown below. Further protection was provided by magic statuettes buried beneath the floors.