Nana (goddess)

Nana was a goddess in the ancient area corresponding to Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Northwest India.[1] She can already be seen on seals of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex, dating to 2500-1500 BCE.[1]

She was typically depicted as a seated martial women god, escorted by a lion.[1] She was apparently brought from the Near East, where she is known under her Sumerian name of Nanaya.[1]

She was depicted on some of the coins of the Kushans. Depictions of her are known from Afghanistan as late as the 5-6th century CE.[2]

She is even worshipped today in Afghanistan under the name "Bibi Nanni" ("Lady Nana").[1]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e The strange world of human sacrifice by Jan N. Bremmer p.176
  2. ^ Metropolitan Museum of Art, permanent exhibit