seal from Saba

Dating from mid-first century BC Saba in Yemen, long after the civilisation which was home to the legendary Queen of Sheba had collapsed, it consists of a rectangular bronze seal (presented here), flanked by a decorated conical shank with a spherical knob at the end (not visible).

The himyarite inscription, initially gold-coloured, is southern-Arabic writing which is characteristic of the old Yemen. It may have been a royal seal, or that of a leading state dignitary. Such objects from Saba are relatively rare.

Image and text sent in by N Tahiri