AmaGi Vintage Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt

“Believe it or not, the oldest known record of liberty is actually an old Sumerian symbol called “amagi”. How cool is that?!

Urukagina, leader of the city-state of Girsu/Lagash, was a reformer who led a popular movement to change the oppressive legal and governmental system in ancient Sumeria. His reign (ca. 2350 B.C.) brought sweeping changes, including guaranteeing the rights of property owners, reforming civil administration, and implementing moral and social reforms. He even returned land and property seized by previous leaders. His reforms also aimed to prevent abuse of the judicial process and ensured the public nature of legal proceedings. And yes, he even put an end to state involvement in perfume making. From the borders of Ningirsu to the sea, “there was the tax collector,” but not for long under Urukagina’s rule!

From this significant code emerges the earliest mention of liberty (amagi or amargi, meaning “return to the mother”), used to describe the act of reform. The true meaning of this phrase is unknown, but the notion that the reforms were a return to the divine-ordained social structure aligns perfectly with its translation.

Additional information: The translation of the inscription is “return to the mother,” but the connection to liberty has always been a topic of interest. Further research since Kramer’s History Begins at Sumer (1958) has illuminated the original context of “amar-gi.” J.N. Postgate’s Early Mesopotamia. Society and Economy at the Dawn of History (1992) reveals that the term was used by early Mesopotamians to signify release from debt. In the past, indebted individuals were often forced into labor for the king as a form of taxation. However, when Urukagina took control in the Lagash region, he granted freedom to many who were previously bound by these obligations. This reform, known as “amar-gi,” not only allowed individuals to return home to their families, but also removed unpopular restrictions and returned seized property.

This t-shirt is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It’s comfortable and flattering for both men and women.

100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
Pre-shrunk fabric
Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
Side-seamed

Size guide