ASSYRIAN CYLINDERS: THE TREE OF LIFE. Par 
In a number of cases we have on each side of the tree of life a winged figure 
with a pail in one hand, while the other may or may not hold a fruit. Fig. 692 has 
also the emblem of Ashur, the head of a lion or monster, and a vulture feeding. 
Another like it is fig. 693, and yet another is fig. 694. 
A very characteristic example of the relation of the worshiper to the sacred 
tree is seen in fig. 695, where the worshiper, wearing the royal pointed hat, holds 
in one hand (omitted in the drawing) the cord from Ashur, while the other hand is 
lifted in adoration. Behind the king is the eagle-headed winged spirit, with one hand 
lifted and the other holding the pail. The fact that the inscription is not reversed on 
the cylinder indicates its value as an amulet. The cords from under the wings of 

694 
Ashur end in an object shaped like omega (Q.), or the emblem of Belit-Ninkhar- 
shag, here perhaps thought of as the wife of Ashur. In fig. 696 the tree is simple 
and each branch ends with fruit shaped like a much-elongated acorn. On each side 
is the winged genius, holding in his hand the three-branched baresma, which might 
suggest that it is a branch of the tree. The Ashur above has peculiar ends to the 
cords from below the wings, which remind one of the talons of the eagle of Lagash, 
or just as much of the hands that terminate the rays from the solar disk of the 
Heretic King of Egypt. 
Certain cases may be given in which simply a mythological animal is in some 
way connected with the tree and more or less related to it. What appears to be an 
early case, if we may judge not simply from the angular border and the less orna- 
mental tree, is seen in fig. 697. The main tree is very straggling, and on each side 
