Lot 25
25
A SOUTH ARABIAN INSCRIBED ALABASTER FUNERARY STELE
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A SOUTH ARABIAN INSCRIBED ALABASTER FUNERARY STELE

2ND CENTURY B.C./1ST CENTURY A.D.

Details
A SOUTH ARABIAN INSCRIBED ALABASTER FUNERARY STELE
2ND CENTURY B.C./1ST CENTURY A.D.
With the head of a bull in high relief protruding from its upper part, details incised, on an inscribed integral plinth reading "Memorial of 'Ahram of (the clans) Dharhan and Yagur", the reverse with two stepped curved mouldings
11¾ in. (30 cm.) high
Provenance
Acquired by Major T. W. Stubb of the Sherwood Foresters, during service in the Wadi Baihan (Bayhan), South West Arabia, 1959-1960.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

PUBLISHED:
A. M. Honeyman, Epigraphic South Arabian Antiquities, Journal of Near Eastern Studies, XXI, No. 1, January 1962, pp. 38-39, pl. III.

The use of the bull's head, symbolizing the Moon god, appears to be employed for apotropaic or protective purposes, and is regularly found in the funerary art of Hayd ibn 'Aqil, near the Qatabanian capital of Tamna'.

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