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 Griffin-headed demon were etched out of ivory to decorate thrones and important furniture. The demon was there to divinely protect whoever sat on the throne. This figurine was excavated in 1880 on behalf of The British Museum. They are unsure if the ivory issued was gathered locally or imported. I thought it was interesting that the purpose of the figurine was to protect the throne bearer because the expression of the griffin made us feel uneasy, but the medium and style gave us a feeling of security which is exactly what it’s purpose is. Source: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/me/i/griffin-headed_ivory_figure.aspx
