Rare ancient Yemeni “Winged Goddess” gold pendant surfaces in German museum

SANAA, April 27 (YPA) – Renowned Yemeni antiquities researcher Abdullah Mohsen revealed on Monday that a rare 2,600-year-old Yemeni gold pendant has been located at the Winckelmann Museum in Stendal, Germany, decades after leaving Yemen.

Artifact Specifications

 The artifact, dating back to the 7th century BCE, is considered a unique masterpiece of ancient South Arabian craftsmanship. Key features include:

• Design: A winged female figure crafted from pure gold.
• Scale: Approximately the size of a tooth, yet characterized by extraordinary artistic precision.
• Craftsmanship: Created using a complex “gold granulation” technique. Laboratory tests conducted in Berlin have confirmed its authenticity and historical significance.

 From Marib to Germany

 According to Mohsen, the pendant was originally discovered in Marib in 1960. It later entered the private collection of the late German diplomat Dr. Werner Daum, who previously served as the Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Sanaa.

The pendant remained hidden from public display for decades until its recent appearance at the Winckelmann Museum following Daum’s passing.

Researcher Mohamed Atboosh was recently able to visit the museum and capture photographs documenting the artifact’s minute scale.

Technical Note: Expert analysis shows visible wear on the pendant’s front due to frequent human handling over centuries, while the back remains in excellent condition, preserving intricate engravings on the wings.

YPA