Mesopotamian goddess of grain and writing, Nisaba (Nanibgal, Nunbarshegunu) is one of the oldest Sumerian deities. Nisaba is also a goddess of surveying and accounting, both progressive trades in a rapidly developing group of ancient civilizations.
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As an agriculture, grain and scribe goddess she dates back thousands of years. The oldest written language is Sumerian cuneiform c. 3400 BCE. Using a stylus or wedge-shaped tool the scribe creates impressions in the clay.
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Clay must be prepared a certain way, neither too dry nor too watery. Scribe schools teaching the mastery of tools and skills are run by master scribes in their homes. Scribal work requires significant attention to detail and knowledge of several languages.
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As writing crosses borders, other styles emerge. Akkadian becomes the popular language for trade and commerce. Assyrian, Ugaritic, Hurrian, Greek, Egyptian, Babylonian and other cultures cross paths via merchants, traders and travelers.
Jobs for translators are at a premium. Slaves who know how to read and write, especially other languages, are much coveted and have a high value.
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Worship of Nisaba is practiced in Eresh (Abu Salabikh) and later, Nippur, approximately central Iraq today. In god lists or kaluti she's included in the sphere of the primordial God Enlil, whose center of power is Nippur.
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Her consort Haya is also associated with the scribal arts. He's considered to be the father of the Goddess Sud, wife of Enlil. Nisaba is Sud's mother. This keeps Haya and Nisaba in the inner circle both as courtiers to Enlil and in-laws to one of the most powerful of ancient gods.
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Major symbols of the Goddess Nisaba are a tablet of lapis lazuli and a golden stylus. Epithets for Nisaba include "Lady of Wisdom", "Professor of Great Wisdom" and "Unsurpassed Overseer".
Apart from her association with grain and scribal arts, she relates to literature, poetry and songs. In the mythic chronology her association with fertility comes after she's linked to writing. She's considered the original scribe.
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In the Sumerian texts of scribal schools she's named as the deity most commonly associated with literacy, numeracy and tools of the trade such as the stylus. She takes the role of teacher, guide and muse.
As Goddess of Wisdom, Nisaba is thought to dispense this quality to rulers. She's believe to play a role in the Curse of Agade, a tale of Akkadian king Narum Sin's battle with the Gods.
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In mythological texts Nisaba is Scribe of the Gods. Her symbols include a golden stylus and tablet of lapis lazuli inscribed with "heavenly writing," poetic comparisons of cuneiform signs and stars. Farmers consult the stars for the best sow and reap times of grain.
In later years, Nisaba is displaced by God of Scribes Nabu. At times they're seen together as consorts. Spiritual connections between local and foreign Gods help keep the peace among the populace. Before long, the deities wander back to their respective spouses.
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Despite relinquishing her position as Goddess of Scribes, Nisaba is a popular choice as personal patron to such tradespeople as scribes and accountants. Scribe is one of the professional jobs enjoyed by women in the Bronze Age.
It's not unusual for women especially of upper classes to know several languages. It helps in the practice of diplomacy. Nisaba also plays a part when Enlil woos her daughter Sud. A very old god, Enlil transforms to a handsome young bachelor to court the lovely Sud.
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Ninlil is called Sud on becoming the wife of Enlil. She goes on to become a great mother goddess in her own right, giving birth to such esteemed Gods as Nergal of the Underworld, Ninurta the hero god of the people, and Aya, goddess of the dawn.
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