Thus a circle, plain or crossed, designates the Sun-god, San or Shamas; a six-rayed or eight-rayed star the Sun-goddess, Gula or Anunit; a double or triple thunderbolt the Atmospheric god, Vul; a serpent probably Hoa; a naked female form Nana or Ishtar; a fish Bar or Nin-ip.

But besides these assignable symbols, there are a vast number with regard to which we are still wholly in the dark.

Among these may [Illustration: PAGE 229] tree, an ox, a bee, a spearhead.

A study of the inscribed cylinders shows these emblems to have no reference to the god or goddess named in the inscription upon them.

Each, apparently, represents a distinct deity; and the object of placing them upon a cylinder is to imply the devotion of the man whose seal it is to other deities besides those whose special servant he considers himself.