Bau (goddess)
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Bau, also read Baba or Babu (cuneiform: 𒀭𒁀𒌑 dBa-U2), was a Mesopotamian goddess. The reading of her name is a subject of debate among researchers, though Bau is considered the conventional spelling today. While initially regarded simply as a life-giving deity, in some cases associated with the creation in mankind, over the course of the third and second millennia BCE she also acquired the role of a healing goddess. She could be described as a divine midwife. In art she could be depicted in the company of waterfowl or scorpions.
Bust of a goddess, perhaps Bau, from Girsu. Louvre Museum.
A seated figurine of Bau from Ur, on display in Iraq Museum.
A tablet mentioning sacrifices made to various gods worshiped in the state of Lagash, including Bau.
Statue of Gudea, a king who elevated the rank of Bau in the local pantheon of Lagash.
Lammašaga
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Lammašaga was a Mesopotamian goddess who functioned as the sukkal of Bau. She belonged to a class of protective deities known as Lamma. She was originally worshiped in Lagash and Girsu, though attestations are also available from other cities. A hymn focused on her was copied in scribal schools in the Old Babylonian period.
