In Middle East cultures dating back 5,000 years, the griffin was a mythical beast with power over all living creatures. Also called a griffon and gryphon, it had the body of a lion and the head, wings and talons of an eagle. This legendary animal often guarded over collections of riches. Perhaps that is why four griffins once stood watch on top of the Carnegie Library in Tucson. They have been gone since 1938. However, this orange metal sculpture by Joe O’Connell took their place on Scott Avenue in 2009. For unknown reasons, he named it Toby.
