(click thumbnail pictures to enlarge - 2nd picture is partially highlighted)

Note the tell-tale "ass ears" and "hooked beak" on the gryphon (griffin or griffon) on the left side of the artifact. Another gryphon is on right side (not as clear of details) and a small set of the "ass ears" near the tail indicate an additional small gryphon. The word "griffin" may come from the Greek word "Grupos" meaning hooked, curved or bent. The gryphon is thought to be a cross between lion, eagle and wild ass and likely originated in Mesopotamia.  To the best of knowledge, gryphons (griffins or griffons) have never been found on rock art in North America. Rock size is 3-4 inches in width.

"some" of the helmets from gryphon rock

note the similarity to the helmeted figures from the portable art statue - one shown below. Stars seem to appear on each helmet. Hopefully these helmets will aid in identifying the source of the artifacts. Both artifacts were found at the same location (North Dakota or Minnesota).

Macedonian? Roman? Persian? Another ancient culture ...... that wasn't supposed to ever be in North America?