The Goodness and the Blue. Inanna and lapis lazuli in the III millennium BC

Abstract

Lapis lazuli is one of the most remarkable stones found in Syria and Mesopotamia in Antiquity. It appears showing beads, amulets, seals, inlays or really well-crafted jewellery at archaeological sites, mentioned in both economic and literary texts. The shine of the stone, even its blue colour with silvery sparkles, resembles the starry sky and makes it worthy of being used by the divinities. Among all the gods, one seems to be especially linked to lapis lazuli, the goddess Inanna, called Lady of Lapis Lazuli in texts from the 3rd millennium BC.