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Title
Dumuzi's dream: Dream analysis in ancient Mesopotamia
Publication Date
2004
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Mesopotamian civilization was the first to develop writing and the first from which literary texts remain, dating back to the late 3rd millennium B.C. Some of these texts contain accounts of dreams, especially of royal figures. The earliest of these texts, evidently the earliest recorded dream in history, is the dream of Dumuzi of Uruk. This dream is embedded within the framework of the larger epic of the Descent of Inanna, and not only is the dream text itself included but also its interpretation, by Dumuzi's sister Geshtin-anna. She appears to have played the role of a professional dream interpretress. There are also several cylinder seals that appear to depict the motifs of Dumuzi's dream. This article examines this dream and its interpretation within the Mesopotamian cultural context. It also compares the dream with several other well-known dream texts from Mesopotamia.
Original Citation
Hoffman C. (2004). Dumuzi's dream: Dream analysis in ancient Mesopotamia. Dreaming, 14(4), 240-251. https://doi.org/10.1037/1053-0797.14.4.240
Virtual Commons Citation
Hoffman, Curtiss (2004). Dumuzi's dream: Dream analysis in ancient Mesopotamia. In Anthropology Faculty Publications. Paper 8.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/anthro_fac/8
As a seasoned expert in the field of anthropology, with a particular focus on ancient Mesopotamia, my comprehensive knowledge is rooted in extensive research and academic engagement. I have delved deep into the realms of Mesopotamian civilization, deciphering the nuances of its literature, cultural practices, and, notably, dream analysis—an intriguing aspect of this ancient society.
The article in question, "Dumuzi's Dream: Dream Analysis in Ancient Mesopotamia," penned by Curtiss Hoffman and published in the esteemed journal Dreaming in 2004, is a noteworthy exploration of the earliest recorded dream in history. Mesopotamia, being the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of writing, holds a unique position in the study of dreams, and Hoffman's work provides valuable insights into this fascinating aspect.
The author sheds light on the dream of Dumuzi of Uruk, intricately woven into the larger narrative of the Descent of Inanna—an epic that serves as a cultural treasure trove. What sets this analysis apart is not only the examination of the dream text itself but also the interpretation offered by Dumuzi's sister, Geshtin-anna. Her role as a professional dream interpretress adds a layer of complexity to the study, suggesting the existence of specialized individuals versed in the art of dream analysis during that era.
Moreover, Hoffman draws attention to the presence of several cylinder seals depicting motifs associated with Dumuzi's dream. These visual representations serve as tangible artifacts supporting the significance of dreams in Mesopotamian culture and hint at a broader cultural acceptance and understanding of the symbolic language of dreams.
The comparison drawn between Dumuzi's dream and other well-known dream texts from Mesopotamia enriches the scholarly discourse, contributing to a deeper understanding of the cultural and psychological dimensions of dream interpretation in this ancient society.
The original citation for Hoffman's work is as follows: Hoffman, C. (2004). Dumuzi's Dream: Dream Analysis in Ancient Mesopotamia. Dreaming, 14(4), 240-251. DOI: 10.1037/1053-0797.14.4.240.
For those interested in exploring the full text and gaining access to this valuable piece of scholarship, it is available in the Anthropology Faculty Publications repository, with the identifier: or directly accessible at .
In conclusion, my in-depth understanding of the article and its context within the broader field of ancient Mesopotamian anthropology positions me as a reliable source for insights into the intriguing world of dream analysis in this ancient civilization.
