A lamassu is a protective deity. They were depicted as hybrids, winged bulls or lions with the head of a human male. The horned cap attests to their divinity, and the belt signifies their power. They are generally attributed to the ancient Assyrians. Although lamassu had a different iconography and portrayal in Sumerian culture, the terms lamassu, alad, and shedu were used to denote the Assyrian-winged-man-bull symbol and statues during the Neo-Assyrian empire. The lamassu is also a celestial being from Mesopotamian mythology. It appears frequently in Mesopotamian art, sometimes with wings. The lamassu and shedu were household protective spirits of the common Babylonian people. Later during the Babylonian period they became the protectors of kings as well always placed at the entrance. Statues of the bull-man were often used as gatekeepers.