Griffin-Headed Demon. Toprakkale, Urarta 10 cm tall. 8th-7th century BCE. Ivory. Sculpted in relief. Housed at The Anatolian Civilization Museum and The British Museum The Griffin- headed demon is a piece from a throne which has an eagle head and wings with a human’s body. Carved lines create contrast between the light and shadows which work to emphasis the details. Repeated lines are used to create texture on the fringe of the robes and the wings. Due to the position of the griffin the piece is asymmetrical; however, the different animal and human aspects are sewn together to create one unified creature. The robes edge leads your eye diagonally across the figurine. At first we thought the griffin was made from stone only to learn it is actually carved from ivory. We think that the medium used for the figurine emphasizes its strength which would not come across as vividly if it were painted or a bas-relief. Sources:http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/me/i/griffin-headed_ivory_figure.aspx http://www.anadolumedeniyetlerimuzesi.gov.tr/
