Lot 67
  • 67

A South Arabian Alabaster Funerary Stele, Qataban, 1st Century B.C./1st Century A.D.

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description

  • A South Arabian Alabaster Funerary Stele, Qataban
  • 17 1/2 by 10 1/8 in. 44.4 by 25.8 cm.
of slightly flaring rectangular form, carved in high relief with the head of a bull, the eyes recessed for inlays under the ribbed brows, the base engraved with one line of South Arabic inscription translating,  "Shâwsan (from the tribe of) Adhâb."

Provenance

American private collection, Jidah, Saudi Arabia, until 1969
by descent to the present owner

Condition

very good and as shown, note large chip in lower right corner, very minor chips elsewhere, the rims of the finely carved eyes are extensively chipped, perhaps a result of removing the inlays.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The names are only attested in the Kingdom of Qataban, making it likely that the present stele comes from Hayd b. `Aqîl, the necropolis of Timna`.

For related steles see F. Bron, in Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy, vol. 17, 2006, p. 191, fig. 2, and R.L. Cleveland, An Ancient South Arabian Necropolis. Objects from the Second Campaign (1951) in the Timna` Cemetery, Baltimore, Maryland, 1965, pls. 62-67.