Ancient Near East, South Arabia, Yemen, probably Qatabanian culture, ca. 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE. This is a pale brown limestone slab with a carved abstract head with a triangular nose, deep set oval eyes, small mouth, prominent brow ridge, and the suggestion of crown or headdress. At one time, this figure would have had inset eyes with pupils made of shell or some other softer material. Below the face is a clear inscription in the ancient Yemeni alphabet (also known as Old South Arabian), probably in the language of the Kingdom of Qataban. The deceased in ancient Saudi Arabia were often represented in anthropomorphic funerary stelae like this one. They have been found in three areas, one of which was the cemetery at Tamna, the capital city of Qataban. This is a "high-relief" stela. Custom stand included. Size: 3.25" L x 7.3" W x 15.75" H (8.3 cm x 18.5 cm x 40 cm)
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private English collection, acquired in the 1960s to 1970s
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#112584
Condition
Professional repairs to face atop slab from roughly 3 large pieces. Chips and losses to nose and proper left side of face near chin, however most remaining features are very clear. The uncarved verso has some blue stains.