Basalt Lion

Basalt Lion

View of a basalt (volcanic type of stone) orthostat lion that is on display on the grounds of the Israel Museum.

This lion, and its mate, were discovered at Hazor—in northern Israel.  Evidently they originally guarded the entrance to a Late Bronze Age palace at Hazor.

The style seems to be “north Syrian,” where somewhat similar lions have been found.

From right to left, note the snout, eyes, ears and main of the lion.  At  its rear note also the outline of its rear haunches, and its curled tail.