Article

When did the king bow and kneel in the Hittite festivals ?

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Abstract

This study explores the ritual gestures of bowing and kneeling as practiced by Hittite kings in rituals, particularly during festivals. These gestures -expressions of subservience to deities- are analyzed through textual evidence. Bowing, represented by the Hittite verbs aruwai- and Intik- (or SUKENU in Akkadogram), and kneeling, described by ljaliya-, often appear together in festival rituals, forming a three step sequence of bowing, kneeling, and bowing again. This sequence, central to festivals such as the Thunder Festival, AN.DAU.SUM festival, and the Great Festival of Arinna, highlights the king's reverence and symbolic ascent toward the divine. Bowing, involving a head-lowering posture, was more prevalent, while kneeling suggests a ceremonial connection with higher spiritual realms. These gestures were performed at sacred locations such as temple gates, windows and altars, marking starting or resetting rituals. This study reveals how gestures developed over time, starting as independent acts and later becoming formal sequences in Hittite traditions. It suggests that this historical development was shaped by the actions of the kings.

How to Cite:

Yamamoto, H., (2024) “When did the king bow and kneel in the Hittite festivals ?”, Akkadica 145(2), 179–200. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/akkadica.96855