Birds

Birds are common motifs throughout ancient art. Horus, with the head of a falcon may exhibit the solar and masculine sky and therefore tutelary associations of the bird. In contrast, malevolent deities such as the Mesopotamian Anzû exhibit bird like features as an expression of predatory power. In more decorative contexts birds can also vary in form; particularly when shown in flight, birds may carry sentiments of aspiration or divine assent. Particularly in Mesopotamian imagery, decorative use of bird motifs may often see them in mirror symmetry flanking a central form.