Nin-MAR.KI | |
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Goddess of oaths, cattle and long distance trade | |
Major cult center | Guabba, later Ašdubba |
Parents | Nanshe and Nindara |
Nin-MAR.KI was a Mesopotamian goddess. The reading and meaning of her name remain uncertain, though options such as Ninmar and Ninmarki can be found in literature. In the past the form Ninkimar was also in use. She was considered the divine protector of cattle, and additionally functioned as an oath deity. She might have been associated with long distance trade as well. It is possible that in art she was depicted in the company of birds, similar to her mother Nanshe. Other deities associated with her include other members of the pantheon Lagash, such as Dumuzi-abzu and Hendursaga.
Guabba, a city in the territory of Lagash which functioned as a sea port, was Nin-MAR.KI's main cult center. She was also venerated in other settlements in the same area, such as Girsu. In later periods, she was venerated in Ašdubba, possibly also located in the same area. Attestations from other parts of Mesopotamia are infrequent. After the decline of her cult centers, she is only attested in god lists and laments, such as Lament for Ur.