From the South Gate of the city of Zincirli, 9th century BC. A “mixed creature” with a birds head.

These creatures are called ‘kuş adam’ (bird-man) by Ekrem Akurgal. They possibly represent deities related to rebirth and resurrection. Neo-hittite relief, traditional style.

Zincirli/Samal lies in the province of Gaziantep, 10 km north of the district town of Islahiye.
The kingdom of Samal was a Neo-Hittite/Aramean middle power of the Middle-East (900-850 BC), then became a vassal state of the rising Neo-Assyrian empire and later a province of that empire. Excavations revealed a heavily fortified citadel within a larger double walled fortification with 100 bastions and three gates.
The Samal kingdom ended shortly after the annihilation of Assyria (612 BC).

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: Website of ‘hittitemonuments.com’ & Wikipedia.