Editing Pazuzu (section)

==Function==
Pazuzu has two chief aspects: firstly as a domestic spirit{{sfn|Wiggermann|p=372}} wherein he is frequently portrayed as benevolent, and secondly as the wandering wind demon{{sfn|Wiggermann|p=372}} traversing the mountains wherein he presents a wilder character.

===Pazuzu as domestic protector deity===
There is a well documented use of Pazuzu in Mesopotamian [[white magic]].{{sfn|Wiggermann|p=372}} His inhuman and grotesque form can be inferred to{{Vague|reason=Borders on weasel words. This requires a higher modality, ideally with a citation provided.|date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}}} have been used to frighten away unwanted guests, as well as prevent his wind-demon subjects from entering the home and wreaking havoc.{{sfn|Wiggermann|p=372}} His role in magic and ritual is documented within inscriptions on the backs of his statues, or in ritual texts.{{sfn|Wiggermann|p=373}} Spells, incantations, and special artifacts were used to gain the favour and protection of the demon,{{sfn | Maiden | 2018 | p=109}} such as artifacts being placed in and around the home or worn on the person to achieve the desired effect.

====Protective objects====
Large numbers of Pazuzu heads have been discovered, made from a variety of materials; chiefly [[terracotta]], but also bronze, iron, gold, glass, and bone.{{sfn | Maiden | 2018 | p=99}} These heads often feature holes or loops at the top, allowing them to be worn on necklaces by pregnant women in order to protect the baby from evil forces.{{sfn | Maiden | 2018 | p=100}} Occasionally, the heads would be attached to [[cylinder seals]] or worn as brooches as well.{{sfn | Heeßel | 2011 | p=358}} Some of these heads have been found in graves.{{sfn | Heeßel | 2011 | p=359}}

Carved amulets are common. Ritual texts from [[Uruk]] state that a woman could be given a bronze necklace or amulet of Pazuzu in order to protect her from miscarrying via the interference of Lamashtu.{{sfn|Wiggermann|p=374}} Some are rectangular and depict Pazuzu either standing or crouching.{{sfn | Heeßel | 2011 | p=358}} Larger amulets made from stone could be hung on the wall to protect the room or an entrance.{{sfn | Heeßel | 2011 | p=361}} One of this type of amulet that was found inside a home in the Neo-Assyrian town of [[Dur-Katlimmu]] was lying on the floor of the main reception room{{sfn | Heeßel | 2011 | p=361}} and was thought to have been hung on the wall facing the entryway.{{sfn | Heeßel | 2011 | p=361}}

<gallery widths="200" heights="200" perrow="4">
File:British Museum Bronze head Pazuzu B 27072013.jpg|A [[bronze]] Pazuzu head, including a loop to be strung onto a necklace and worn as a protective charm.
File:Pazuzu amulet 108979.jpg|The front of a [[copper]] [[alloy]] Pazuzu amulet from the British Museum.
File:Pazuzu jaspe rouge AO 26056.jpg|A [[Jasper|red jasper]] carving of a squatting Pazuzu, the crouching posture suggesting his connection to the West Wind.{{sfn | Wiggermann | 2007}}
File:Mesopotamian pendant with the head of Pazuzu.jpg|This bronze pendant features a suspension loop to ensure that the demon's gaze is always directed outward; for example, with the demon's [[Apotropaic magic|apotropaic]] power directed, not at the amulet's owner, but at the owner's [[supernatural]] enemies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pendant with the head of Pazuzu |url=https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/327485?searchField=All&sortBy=Relevance&ft=assyrian&offset=80&rpp=20&pos=91 |access-date=2022-05-06 |website=www.metmuseum.org}}</ref>
</gallery>

Given the number of artifacts uncovered, it can be inferred that Pazuzu enjoyed great popularity,{{sfn | Heeßel | 2011 | p=359}} and the uniformity of the heads, amulets, and statues demonstrates that representations of the demon-god were mass-produced.{{sfn | Heeßel | 2011 | p=358}}

====Ritual texts====
Relating to the representations of Pazuzu, text inscriptions on the backs of representations or on tablets would invoke or otherwise mention Pazuzu.

A ritual text from Assyria prescribes a Pazuzu head as a way to banish sickness.{{sfn | Heeßel | 2011 | p=362}} Similarly, a ritual incantation against Lamastu from the Late Babylonian Period directs the reader to make a Pazuzu necklace and hang it around the afflicted person's neck.{{sfn | Heeßel | 2011 | p=362}}

In the bilingual ([[Language|Sumerian]] and [[Language|Akkadian]]) version of the ''Compendia'', Pazuzu identifies himself:

"I am Pazuzu, son of Ḫanbu, king of the evil lilû-demons. I was enraged (in violent motion) against the strong mountains and ascended them."{{sfn | ''Mesopotamian Medicine and Magic'' | 2019 | p=273}}

Another text also narrated by him describes Pazuzu encountering other lilû demons in his travels, and breaking their wings, therefore preventing them from inflicting harm. "I ascended a mighty mountain that shook, and the (evil) winds I encountered there were heading West; One by one I broke their wings."{{sfn|Wiggermann|p=374}} In another text he is perceived as more malicious, as the narrator addresses him as "Agony of Mankind",{{sfn | Maiden | 2018 | p=106}} "Suffering of Mankind",{{sfn | Maiden | 2018 | p=106}} "Disease of Mankind",{{sfn | Maiden | 2018 | p=106}} and chants telling the demon to not enter the home.{{sfn | Maiden | 2018 | p=106}}