Details
THREE SOUTH ARABIAN LIMESTONE FIGURES
CIRCA 6TH CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
Each depicted seated on a block stool, the stylized arms bent at the elbows with the forearms projecting forward, the fingers and toes incised, the small breasts positioned low on the torso, the large spade-shaped head with triangular nose, one wearing a long skirt, each with its name inscribed along the front of the plinth, reading, "Himyat," "Kalan," and "Mutu'at," respectively; together with a South Arabian style plaque with a standing figure, an inscription above
Tallest: 9½ in. (24.1 cm.) high (4)
Provenance
Walter Vahldieck, Berlin (1902-1992), a non-medical practitioner and collector of books and antiquities. In 1987 a portion of his collection was confiscated and sold by the state (DDR). His wife passed on the rest of the collection to their neighbors in Berlin. This family brought the collection to auction in 2001.
Jeschke, Greve & Hauff, Berlin, Auktion 23, Wertvolle Bücher & Dekorative Graphik, 5-8 November 2001, lot 4108 (part).