Maqlu (Burning): 9th part

 

18.12. 2018, The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague

ww.rosscaldwell.com/babylonian/MAQLURIT.pdf

Photo Jan Horáček 

 

This is part of performance art series based on the Old babylonian text "Maqlu" (Burning) which has nine tablets. Each performance deals with one of them. It is a kind of protective ritual text.

 

 

............I have called upon you....

…...............…......you should and....

….......................a figure of talcum...

…................. you should put up and..

…...................................drips...........

….................................next to..........

..…....................on the huluppaq-vat

 

…....................................fine flour..

…........................you lay on the salt?

…......................................................

….............recite the incantation three

times and....

…......................on the huluppaq-vat

….....................................................

 

(Large break)

 

 

 

Enlil is my head, my face is the day

Pure suphur, I am the daughter of the Big Sky.

Pure sulphur, kurkur-weed, I am the Holy Weed.

The river is my head, sulphure is my figure.

 

 

 

I have washed my hands, I clean my body.

Morning is breaking.

Morning has risen, is shining.

Tomorrow, yes tomorrow.

In the morning my hands are washed.

I have washed my hands? I have cleansed my hands for me.

Until you are lit up,

Šamaš is lit up, the Father of country is lit up.

After the sorceress has crossed the river.

After Sumuqan has begun a divine song of jubilation in the mountains.

Yes, now.