THE ANGRY IŠTAR OF ETURKALAMMA: BM 32482+ AND THE CONSERVATION OF CULTIC TRADITIONS IN THE LATE BABYLONIAN PERIOD

BM 32482 + is a Late Babylonian tablet with descriptions of rites and ceremonies held in the Eturkalamma temple of Bēlet-Bābili (Ištar of Babylon). The text refers to prayers and recitations to appease the goddess. Cult personnel from her temple (išippupriest) are also mentioned, as is music, anigûtuperformed by anadītupriestess, a ritual involving asakkikuddītu,a cultic commentary, omens involving birds, and astrological observations. Despite the fragmentary condition of the tablet, it seems that the performance of thenigûtuwas in one way or another related to the preservation of the temple rituals, which would otherwise have been forgotten.