<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><metadata xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"  xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:dcterms="http://purl.org/dc/terms/"><dc:title xml:lang="en">griffins</dc:title><dc:identifier>http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en?tema=31339701</dc:identifier><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Getty Institute</dc:publisher><dcterms:created>2026-03-30 20:31:36</dcterms:created><dcterms:isPartOf xsi:type="dcterms:URI">http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en</dcterms:isPartOf><dcterms:isPartOf xml:lang="en">Tesaurus d&apos;Art i Arquitectura</dcterms:isPartOf><dc:format>text/html</dc:format> <dcterms:alternative xml:lang="en">griffin</dcterms:alternative> <dcterms:alternative xml:lang="en">griffon</dcterms:alternative> <dcterms:alternative xml:lang="en">griffons</dcterms:alternative> <dcterms:alternative xml:lang="en">gryphon</dcterms:alternative> <dcterms:alternative xml:lang="en">gryphons</dcterms:alternative> <dc:description xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[ Composite mythological creatures with the head and wings of a bird (usually that of an eagle) and the body and hind quarters of a lion. Was a favorite decorative motif in the ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean area, probably having originated in the Levant in the 2nd millennium BCE; the griffin had spread throughout western Asia and into Greece by the 14th century BCE. The Asiatic griffin had a crested head, whereas the Minoan and Greek griffin usually had a mane of spiral curls. It was shown either recumbent or seated on its haunches, often paired with the sphinx; its function was often protective. The Greeks believed griffins inhabited Scythia to keep jealous watch over the gold of that country. ]]></dc:description></metadata>