Image Details

Beady eyes peer from the hideous face of Pazuzu, neo-Assynan king of the evil wind demons. Less than three inches high, this amulet purportedly protected against sickness caused by windstorm, particularly sickness of the head. One ancient text says that a bronze Pazuzu placed on the neck of a woman in childbirth protected her against Lamashtu, the demon that comes down from the mountain. The narrow head with a horned brow dates from the late eighth to mid-sixth century B.C. A hook for suspension is visible at the top.