Assyrian Mullilu

Illustration

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
by
published on 13 September 2015
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This is a close-up image of a hand carrying an Assyrian mullilu; mullilu is an Akkadian word which means a purifier. This object, most likely a pine cone, was dipped into a certain liquid and then sprinkled on the Assyrian king and his courtiers in order to purify them during ceremonies. The image here is part of a large alabaster bas-relief which depicts an eagle-headed and winged protective spirit (Apkallau or Sage). The Apkallu's right hand holds this mullilu. From room G, panel d1, the north-west palace of the Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II, Nimrud (ancient Kalhu; Biblical Calah). From Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. Neo-Assyrian period, 865-860 BCE. The British Museum, London.

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About the Author

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Amin, O. S. M. (2015, September 13). Assyrian Mullilu. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4074/assyrian-mullilu/

Chicago Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Assyrian Mullilu." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified September 13, 2015. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4074/assyrian-mullilu/.

MLA Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Assyrian Mullilu." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 13 Sep 2015. Web. 13 Feb 2025.

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