These reliefs demonstrate human-headed and bird-headed Apkallu. Apkallu means 'sage' in Akkadian. An Apkallu was a protective spirit which protected the king and those in the palace from evil spirits. Apkallu figures are often shown beside doorways and in corners of rooms since these areas were where evil spirits were thought to lurk. Some Apkallus hold a an object which is called a 'banduddu'. Banduddu means 'bucket' in Akkadian. Some people think that it was used in a ceremony where a 'mullilu' was dipped into liquid which was sprinkled on the king and his courtiers to purify them. Mullilu means 'purifier' in Akkadian. Some people think that it was used in a ceremony where a 'mullilu' was dipped into liquid which was sprinkled on the king and his courtiers to purify them. Apkallus also wear sandals which were probably the most common type of footwear worn in Mesopotamia. They would have been woven out of reeds or made out of leather. The sandals on this wall relief still have traces of the original paint on them. Neo-Assyrian era, 865-860 BC. From the north-west palace at Nimrud (ancient Kalhu), Mesopotamia, Iraq. The British Museum, London.