Bees and Pollen
(May 5, 2023) Assyrian relief showing winged Hu (Shamash) as the winged sun disk over the tree of life whose branches represent the life network. This relief is from the northwest palace hall of Assyrian King Assurbanipal II at Nimrud. It dates to 883 to 859 BCE. The whole theme is that the king brings life and fertility to the kingdom.
The 2 kings holding scepters of power are pointing at the winged sun Hu who represents the life powers. Behind the kings are personifications of the god Hu holding pine cones containing pollen which they shaking over the king. The personified gods are also holding pollen bags. Pollen and bees are a representation of the feminine power (Ishtar, Ayu, Inanna) which act as the distributers and constrainers of fertility. Wings are always an indicator of a connective power deity. Relief in British Museum at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=366005&partId=1&searchText=Ashurnasirpal&page=6
When Will Goddess Ayu (Winged Bee) Intervene (700 to 600 BCE)
(May 5, 2023) Image seems to be that of a bee goddess trailing pollen behind and connecting with something with its outreached arm. Ayu is the goddess having a bee correspondence because bees with their golden pollen carrying ability also direct fertility just like Ayu's editing power over the life network. This editing power restrains Hu as mentioned in the text.
Translation in Akkadian (Levant Text 60.159)
(Read right to left. Capital letters on seal. Small letters are inferred Inner vowels. Verb is italic bold)- Ḫu LKu U (Levant Text 60.159.1)
(Dual use letters are E/H, I/Y, U/W, and '/A in which vowel appears at beginning of words except for Yahu which is keeping its traditional Hebrew transliteration)
In English.
- Hu's constrainer when?
Previous Hebrew Translation Attempt
Some Hebrew Scholars think the text reads:
- Belonging to Himelek