---
title: Assyrian Mullilu
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4074/assyrian-mullilu/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Assyrian Mullilu

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Assyrian Mullilu](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4074.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4074.jpg)

## Image Caption

This is a close-up image of a hand carrying an Assyrian mullilu; mullilu is an [Akkadian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/akkadian/) word which means a purifier. This object, most likely a pine cone, was dipped into a certain liquid and then sprinkled on the Assyrian king and his courtiers in order to purify them during ceremonies. The image here is part of a large alabaster bas-relief which depicts an eagle-headed and winged protective spirit (Apkallau or Sage). The Apkallu's right hand holds this mullilu. From room G, panel d1, the north-west [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) of the Assyrian king [Ashurnasirpal II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashurnasirpal_II/), [Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/) (ancient [Kalhu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/); Biblical [Calah](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/)). From [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), modern-day Iraq. Neo-Assyrian period, 865-860 BCE. The British Museum, London.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2015, September 13). Assyrian Mullilu. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4074/assyrian-mullilu/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Assyrian Mullilu." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 13, 2015. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4074/assyrian-mullilu/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Assyrian Mullilu." *World History Encyclopedia*, 13 Sep 2015, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4074/assyrian-mullilu/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 13 September 2015. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.