A Rare Sabean, Ancient South Arabian Carved Ivory Dagger Handle
A Rare Sabean, Ancient South Arabian Carved Ivory Dagger Handle
South Yemen
2nd – 1st Century BC
Size : 8 cm high, 3.5 cm wide, 2.5 cm deep – 3¼ ins high, 1½ ins wide, 1 ins deep
South Yemen
2nd – 1st Century BC
Size : 8 cm high, 3.5 cm wide, 2.5 cm deep – 3¼ ins high, 1½ ins wide, 1 ins deep
The carved portrait head on this dagger handle is probably that of a priest or dignitary and from the quality of the carving its possible use was in sacrificial rituals. A large alabaster Stele from al Jí»ba in the South Yemen and now in the Saba museum details a priest with one hand raised, the other holding a staff, and wearing a dagger in his belt.
A Rare Sabean, Ancient South Arabian Carved Ivory Dagger Handle
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