Nudging Ninkasi’s Memory: Recreating Ancient Sumerian Brewing and Drinking

Marie Hopwood

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

When archaeological interpretations are grounded in biased translations from early researchers, faulty knowledge is created and then taught or picked up through research by future generations. The way that we think about the past and engage with our own knowledge-memories is affected, leaving us to see the past through half-dark glasses. False information colours our understanding of the ancient world and the descendants of those societies. Archaeological studies of Mesopotamian women and their roles related to beer have suffered from poor translations, been set aside as footnoted moments, or ignored entirely. Often hidden in archaeological literature is the fact that these women were the first brewers and brewed regularly for their households. Beer had a direct effect on women’s lives as an important daily beverage, as an economic opportunity, as a vital aspect of ritual and feasting, as well as serving as libations for the gods, goddesses and past ancestors. Ninkasi, the Sumerian goddess of brewing, may have left hints as to what beer the women of her era were brewing, and through that entry point women’s roles in relation to this drink can be brought back into the light and remembered anew. Brewing was a cultural practice passed on through traditions, gestures and memory for millennia. Understanding how beer was made, by whom, where it was served, and how it was consumed are all intimately tied to new readings of ancient texts related to women. It is time to nudge Ninkasi’s memory and re-engage with the feminine (pre)history of brewing
Original languageEnglish
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Externally publishedYes
EventDublin Gastronomy Symposium - Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 28 May 202429 May 2024
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/dgs/

Conference

ConferenceDublin Gastronomy Symposium
Country/TerritoryIreland
CityDublin
Period28/05/2429/05/24
Internet address

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