Nisaba

Nisaba is a minor Sumerian goddess associated with grain and writing. Her name is often translated as "grain goddess" or "lady of the reed." She was one of the earliest deities to be worshipped in Sumer, with evidence of her cult dating back to the Uruk period. Originally, Nisaba was primarily a goddess of grain and agriculture, responsible for the growth and abundance of crops.

Over time, her domain expanded to include writing and knowledge. This association likely stemmed from the use of reeds in both agriculture (for irrigation and construction) and in the creation of cuneiform tablets. Scribes often invoked Nisaba for success in their studies and for clarity in their writing. She was depicted as a woman, sometimes carrying sheaves of grain or a writing stylus.

While not one of the major deities in the Sumerian pantheon, Nisaba held an important place in religious life. She was worshipped in many cities, with her most prominent cult center believed to be in Marad. She was often paired with other deities in hymns and prayers, and her influence can be seen in later Mesopotamian mythology. Her role as a patron of scribes contributed to the enduring importance of writing in Sumerian society.