Enheduana: Voicing the Feminine Divine

Céline Debourse, Assistant Professor in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Harvard will present on “Women in Mesopotamian Temples: Priestess, Slaves, Weavers” and Dr. Sophus Helle, writer, cultural historian and translator of Enheduana’s poems, will give a talk on “Introducing Enheduana’s World: Grief and Gender”. Their presentations will be followed by a musical performance, drawing inspiration from Enheduana’s writings. The world premiere of “To the Stars”, composed by Douglas Knehans, will feature CSWR’s Scholar in Residence, Anne Harley (soprano), Maggie Finnegan (soprano), Gabby Diaz  (violin), Amy Advocat (bass clarinet), Matt Sharrock (percussion) and Evan Ziporyn (conductor). 

Enheduana, also En-hedu-Ana; (c. twenty-third century B.C.E.)  is the first named author in human history. An Akkadian princess and daughter of King Sargon I, Enheduana was appointed high priestess of the moon god Nanna (Sîn) in the holy city of Ur. Her poems and hymns offer unique, first-hand accounts of her highly personal experiences of the goddess Inana, and provide insights into issues of gender, sexuality, theology, and goddess-worship in early Mesopotamia. 

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. 

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