Bridewealth in Sumerian Sources
The custom of giving bridewealth was an established feature of Sumerian marriage. This article deals with the bridewealth gifts which are described by the terms nigmussa, nigdea, and mupad(d)a. These gifts consisted almost exclusively of foodstuffs; they were contributions to the feasts that were cu...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Print Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
College
1990
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| In: |
Hebrew Union College annual / Jewish Institute of Religion
Year: 1990, Volume: 61, Pages: 25-88 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Sumerian language
/ Spring
B Social structure / Near East |
| IxTheo Classification: | TC Pre-Christian history ; Ancient Near East |
| Further subjects: | B
Woman
B Marriage |
| Parallel Edition: | Electronic
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| Summary: | The custom of giving bridewealth was an established feature of Sumerian marriage. This article deals with the bridewealth gifts which are described by the terms nigmussa, nigdea, and mupad(d)a. These gifts consisted almost exclusively of foodstuffs; they were contributions to the feasts that were customarily held to celebrate a marriage. Bridewealth gifts of foodstuffs are attested in numerous archival sources from everyday life dating back to the Fara period; they are also attested in cult and myth, in connection with the ritual marriages of gods and goddesses. These foodstuffs were, typically, sent by the groom and his relatives to the house of the bride during the time after betrothal agreements were made and prior to the wedding. Parallels to the Sumerian custom are seen in Semitic marriage practices which are reflected in documents coming from Ebla, as well as from Greater Mesopotamia during the Old Akkadian period. |
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| ISSN: | 0360-9049 |
| Contains: | In: Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Hebrew Union College annual / Jewish Institute of Religion
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