SX3: Star and Plow Seal (3300 BCE)

(Dec. 29, 2022) Black Hematite (hard iron oxide) cylinder seal showing images of wealth surrounding two people approaching the god AN.  At the top left is and image of the full moon surrounded by stars. Below that are swords pointing downward in a sign of peace. Between the deity and the humans is a plow. A gazelle as a symbol of the land's prosperity is on the shoulders and at the feet of the last human. It reads:

  1. Pests milk the kingdom
  2. AN is making wealth abundant so rejoice
  3. Serve wisdom

Lexicon used for this translation: About This Early-Sign Sumerian Lexicon  

Seal now at: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Vorderasiatisches Museum (State Museums in Berlin, Museum of the Near East) Identification number: VA 00243. Seal online at: https://recherche.smb.museum/detail/1744422/einf%C3%BChrungsszene

Column 1

Sumerian

(verb at end makes it a statement)
  1. DUB IZ GA   (text SX 3.1)

English Translation

  1. Pests milk the kingdom

Column 2

Sumerian

(verb in middle makes ongoing form)
  1. AN KIN LA AD  (text SX 3.2)

English Translation

  1. AN is making wealth abundant so rejoice

Column 3

Sumerian

(verb at front makes it imperative form)
  1. IR3 ZU  (text SX 3.3)

English Translation

  1. Serve wisdom