Nine ancient Yemeni artifacts to be auctioned in the UK in September

SANAA, July 29 (YPA) -Archaeologist Abdullah Mohsen has revealed on Tuesday that nine significant Yemeni artifacts will be auctioned at a global auction in the United Kingdom on September.

Mohsen stated that between September 9 and 17, 2025, a significant collection of ancient Yemeni artifacts will be featured at a global auction in the United Kingdom. Among the items are nine remarkable pieces, including bronze, marble, and limestone artifacts dating back to the 6th century BCE and the 2nd century CE.

He added that the auction, organized by Timeline Auctions Ltd. in Essex, will feature artifacts dating from the 6th century BCE to the 2nd century CE. The collection includes marble and limestone sculptures and heads, intricately decorated bronze vessels, a votive altar table, and even a votive statue believed to have been used in temples for atonement rituals related to sins of adultery.

He confirmed that some of these artifacts have been part of private German and British collections since the 1970s.

They were examined through Interpol’s Stolen Works of Art Database; however, they have not been registered as stolen by the Yemeni authorities.

Mohsen also provided a detailed description of each piece:

Bronze Vessel (3rd Century BCE)

Features a raised relief hunting scene with a griffon attacking an ibex. Provenance: German collection (1970s), later British collection.

Marble Head of a Man (Late 2nd Century CE)

Finely carved with deep-set eyes, hooked nose, and stubbled beard. Exhibited at Christie’s, New York, 1995.

Marble Head of a Woman (6th–4th Century BCE)

Displays early Hellenistic Yemeni traits: high-set ears, detailed eyes, and a flat crown.

Marble Statue of a Man (3rd Century BCE)

Statue with a rectangular back, prominent facial features, and an inscription beneath the chin.

Limestone Plaque with Bull’s Head (3rd–1st Century BCE)

Square plaque showing a detailed bull’s head. Formerly in a British collection; entered a London private collection post-2000.

Marble Head of a Man (3rd Century BCE)

Characterized by a raised mouth, large nose, and deep-set eyes. From a UK private collection, later London-based.

Decorated Marble Vessel (5th–3rd Century BCE)

Shallow with concentric circles and a notched rim. Acquired via UK art market; held in a London private collection.

Altar Table (6th Century BCE)

Short-legged table with Phoenician-style inscription of uncertain meaning and origin.

 Statue Depicting Adultery (1st Century BCE)

It weighs 380g and depicts a couple having sex.

@E.Y.M