Expert: Ancient Yemeni statue sold at Monte Carlo auction in Monaco

An archaeology expert revealed today, Sunday, that a statue from ancient Yemen was sold at an auction in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Expert Abdullah Mohsen said in a post on his Facebook page that a Yemeni statue made of calcite dating back to the first century AD was sold last Monday at the Monte Carlo auction in the Principality of Monaco.

He explained that the statue is part of the collection of French antiquities dealer François Antonovich, who is famous for his collection of Yemeni antiquities from Al-Jawf.

Mohsen pointed out that the statue was previously sold at the Otrepunti auction on March 30, 2022.

The statue is a portrait of a male, well preserved in the upper part, while the lower part is partially damaged. The face is very finely carved with large almond-shaped eyes, eyebrows and a beard that were fixed with a specific technique. The nose is long and pointed with a small distinctive moustache. The hair is short, leaving the ears large and clear. Under the portrait there is a partial inscription with a support, perhaps referring to the deceased.