Fragment of a grave stele

ca. 1st century BCE

Not on view

This alabaster block depicts nine stylized ibex heads carved in low relief and viewed frontally. Flanking the row of ibexes are two rectangular niched panels suggestive of temple facades. The ibex was the most widely represented animal in southwestern Arabian art. Ritual ibex hunts were an important feature of the cult practices of the southwestern Arabian kingdoms. Successfully capturing and killing these elusive creatures was believed to secure favors from the gods. Ibex skulls and horns were also used as architectural decorations on the upper corners of houses, where they are still occasionally found today.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Fragment of a grave stele
Date: ca. 1st century BCE
Geography: Southwestern Arabia
Medium: Alabaster (calcite)
Dimensions: H. 5 7/8 × W. 22 3/4 × D. 6 1/4 in. (15 × 57.8 × 15.8 cm)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1960
Object Number: 60.96
Curatorial Department: Ancient West Asian Art

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