A SOUTH ARABIAN CALCITE LIBATION TABLE

CIRCA LATE 7TH-6TH CENTURY B.C.

Details

A SOUTH ARABIAN CALCITE LIBATION TABLE
CIRCA LATE 7TH-6TH CENTURY B.C.
The rectangular table sculpted on three sides in three horizontal registers, the top two registers similarly carved with a row of dentils topped with horizontal moldings, the bottom register with an inscription reading: (Rt) 'b-wkl/bn/'b-'ns/s (Fnt) l'/c ttr/b'sn/yr (Lft) 'b/b-ywm/Smh-'mr, "Ab-wakil, the son of Ab-anas, dedicated (this item) to 'Athtar Ba'san (=the Brave??), (when) he an agreement/contract, in the time of Sumhu-amir," the upper surface smoothly polished and slightly recessed, one side centered by a projecting runoff channel in the form of a stylized bull head, its upper surface grooved
15 5/16 in. (38.9 cm.) long

Provenance

Dr. Elie Borowski, 1980.

Lot Essay

'Athtar Ba'san, the deity to whom this libation table is dedicated, was based in the city-state of Haram, and is invoked on numerous monuments found at this site. In the 8th to 6th centuries B.C., Haram had its own line of local kings before becoming part of the Kingdom of Ma'in and then ultimately being absorbed into the Kingdom of Saba. The inscription implies that Sumhu-amir was a king. Although he is not a ruler previously known, both of the elements of his name are recorded from this time period.

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