I hoped that this title would drive some traffic to my site, so that I can get some assistance.
I have seemed to have misplaced a piece of information, and it is driving me crazy. I recall reading somewhere that in ancient Mesopotamia there was a known STD referred to as the Kiss of Ishtar or Ishtar’s Kiss. I am combing through all sorts of texts, and through old note cards, but I am not turning up this piece of information. If anyone can point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it.
Adam
I’m not exactly an Assyriologist but I do hang around in the neighborhood. At first, I thought this sounded familiar too but I worry that the sixty diseases referenced in Ishtar’s Descent into the Underworld confused my memory. Infertility was a by-product of her descent. The closest thing I could find to a kiss of Ishtar was šaptī šerrim našāqum kûmma Ištar, “Ištar, it is in your power (up to you) to kiss the child’s lips.” See CAD N2, 57. Sorry I couldn’t be more help. Good luck in your search.
By: Duane on October 29, 2009
at 5:22 pm
I appreciate the help, Duane. I know I read this somewhere, but I can’t figure out where for the life of me. Back to the drawing-board!
By: Adam Couturier on October 29, 2009
at 8:07 pm