SOUTH ARABIAN STONE FACE STELE WITH INLAID EYES
Ca. 200 BC - 100 AD (or later).
A striking stone slab with a high-relief carved abstract face with a triangular nose, deep set oval eyes, a small mouth, prominent brow ridge and well-groomed eyebrows, and the suggestion of a crown or headdress. The eyes were inlaid, which is a rare touch. This stele was produced as part of the South Arabian classical culture. The stelas were used as funerary monuments, placed over graves to commemorate the deceased. The Qatabanian culture was known for its distinctive geometric and stylised forms, which were found in both sculpture and architecture. The Qatabanian culture was known for its wealth and the Romans referred to the area as 'Arabia Felix'. Possible restoration.
Size: L:370mm / W:195mm ; 11.03kg
Provenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK / International art markets.
Estimate: GBP 750 - 1500