Yemeni Antiquities Suffer Rare Artifacts Offered For Sale, Researcher Warns
A Yemeni researcher has issued a stark warning regarding the illicit sale of rare ancient artifacts in the city of Yarim, Ibb Governorate. Abdullah Mohsen, an antiquities researcher, alleges that a network described as "influential" is responsible for looting archaeological sites in Ibb and Dhamar governorates, citing a failure by authorities to halt illegal excavations and protect cultural heritage.
Mohsen revealed on his Facebook page that the collection includes ancient jewelry and bronzes, notably a golden dagger hilt and a twisted gold bracelet. He stated that images of these items were sent to him by an anonymous source. Mohsen's initial assessment suggests the dagger hilt dates back to the 1st century CE and likely originates from the ancient city of Dhafar. He described it as one of three renowned Yemeni daggers known to researchers, while the twisted bracelet is considered an exquisite example of jewelry characteristic of ancient Yemeni kingdoms.
The researcher urged the relevant authorities to pursue the networks involved in looting archaeological sites, confiscate any stored or traded collections, and cease illegal digging activities. He emphasized that historical artifacts constitute an irreplaceable civilizational record that must be protected from smuggling and loss.
To verify the scientific value of the artifacts, Mohsen shared the images with specialists in Yemeni archaeology and heritage. Dr. Laila Aqeel, an archaeologist, commented that the gold artifact appears to be the meticulously crafted hilt of a sword or dagger, made using gold wire and decorated with motifs known in Hellenistic art, particularly the "Hercules knot" – a symbol associated with strength that was prevalent in the early centuries CE. Aqeel noted that the hilt resembles two previously documented ancient daggers, one housed in the Islamic Art Museum and another found at the Al-Asibiya archaeological site. She added that the gold bracelet belongs to a style of classical bracelets for which similar examples have been unearthed at various Yemeni archaeological sites, likely dating between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE.
Mohamed Sabaa, a cultural heritage researcher, stated that the hilt in the images appears to be from a royal dagger made of pure gold, possibly inlaid with carnelian, a decorative technique known in the craftsmanship of royal weaponry in ancient Yemen. He suggested that the presumed discovery site, near highlands containing remnants of royal palaces, could enhance its historical significance, and indicated the possibility of royal inscriptions if subjected to specialized scientific examination. Sabaa further commented that the dagger's archaeological value could rival that of the most famous golden daggers discovered in ancient civilizations. The displayed gold bracelets, he added, reflect an advanced level of craftsmanship for which ancient Yemeni jewelry making was renowned and could provide new information about the history of ancient Yemeni kingdoms if recovered and studied.