THE SEATED SHAMASH: WITH RAYS OR STREAMS. 97 
A large and interesting cylinder is shown in fig. 272. The shoulders of the 
seated god are surrounded by rays, and it is to be noticed that while no streams are 
shown yet two fishes are drawn. In his hand he carries his notched sword, which 
is so distinctly drawn that it shows the guard, proving that it is not a branch or palm. 
Seven figures approach, identical in form, except that the first lifts his hand which 
holds a wand, or staff, and that the seventh is reduced in size, on account of the 
crowded space. What these seven figures mean is not clear to us, possibly divisions 
of the day. There is here no indication of any scene of judgment. 

A cylinder which is even more important for the identification of the seated 
god with rays is shown in fig. 273. Here we have not only the horned god with 
rays and notched sword, but also the porter with the gate, which distinctly belongs 
to Shamash. There is a club before and behind the god, and also behind him a tree. 
Most frequently two or more figures approach the god. ‘The first appears to 
be a subordinate or attendant deity, although usually called a priest, who leads 


the worshiper by the hand into the divine presence. This worshiper, who seems 
to represent the owner of the seal, often brings an offering, 1t may be a goat or it 
may be a branch, and he may be followed by a servant with a basket or pail which 
would contain further offerings. Very frequently we may expect the character 
representing Shamash, or the sun, in its old form to accompany the design. Thus 
in fig. 274 we have this sign which we have met in the seals representing the standing 
Shamash with gates, and the worshiper carries a branch. A similar branch is 
carried by the led worshiper in fig. 275. It will be noticed that in cylinders of this 
period the form of headdress is not distinctive of beings regarded as gods or demi- 
Zc 
