Recent research indicates that the Assyrians associated this hybrid form with female demons, the Lilitu. These demons attacked women and children as well as preyed sexually upon men (much like the succubi). The female figurine is made of clay that was pressed into a mould, but the legs and tail were shaped by hand. If you look closely at the legs, you will notice finger prints made by the artist, probably while applying the iron oxide slip (the red color loosely applied on the object).
