The Neo-Assyrian high relief shows a mixed creature with the lower body of a bull and the upper body of a human being. There is an inscription on the arms which is probably a protective formula.
The bull-man does not represent Enkidu, as previously assumed, but the gatekeeper Shamash.
Representations of this protective genius were often placed at house entrances to protect against evil or served as foundation figures in house foundations. (AVS)
