Writing (‘Cuneiform’) was first developed by the Mesopotamians in the ancient city of Uruk (present day Warka, Iraq), 5000 BC. Nisaba was worshipped there for over 1,000 years as the deity of writing, grain and trade. Idols were immortal, possessing extraordinary powers and cloaked by ‘melammu’, an aura that inspired awe and fear in humans. Nisaba became synonymous with wisdom and learning and was invoked regularly by scribes, scholars, priests, astronomers, and mathematicians for inspiration and guidance.
Nisaba, 2024
CARDBOARD, PAPER, PRESERVED LEAVES, TIMBER
113 x 43 x 40 cm
During the Old Babylonian Period, Nisaba's prominence waned, much like that of other female deities, as Hammurabi (1792-1750 BCE) raised Marduk to the status of Babylon's patron god and prioritised male deities over female ones. Nisaba was overshadowed by Marduk’s son, Nabu, effectively diminishing her role. With writing no longer seen as an appropriate domain for women, Nisaba's powers were diminished, and she was transformed into Nabu's devoted wife, loyal, nurturing, and obedient, taking on the role of his diligent secretary, quietly supporting him in the background. Meanwhile, Nabu's reputation grew, extending beyond Mesopotamia to the Mediterranean, where he was adopted by various civilisations.