SG1 Girsu (Tello): Cat-Bird Macehead (2600-2300 BCE)

Cat-Bird Grasping 2 Lions

The head of the cat-bird is directly under text section 10 and 11. This is the Sumerian Motion power connective deity. As such it calls fate and normally keeps everything on time.

Drawing of Top Text

It reads:

AN loves the Lady (INANNA),
Their domain sings-up food.
Deities are earth-controllers,
Connections are being fitted by their songs.
Motion-Powers are making wealthy the earth,
from milking the wind/spirit powers.
Heavenly-bodies command the earth,
Their omens indicate drought.
The cat-birds issue-orders,
They are the fate-callers.
(While) earth-controlling deities are arranging the fabric (life-network),
take heed of the fabric of the silvery-ones' spiritual-connections

(Jan 7, 2023) Now at the British Museum. Museum number 23287. Acquired in 1897 from a collector who claims it came from Tell Telloh (Ancient Girzu) in southern Iraq. Hole diameter: 2.20 centimeters, Diameter: 11 centimeters, Height: 11.70 centimeters. The Sumerian city of Gizu means "Cow.Wisdom" so it must have been renowned for its large cattle herds.

Online at: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_1897-0514-1

Watch a wonderful unlisted YouTube British Museum Membership video about new excavations at Girsu if you allow marketing cookies at the British Museum site: https://www.britishmuseum.org/membership/events/excavations-girsu