Fragment of a grave stele
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.
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