A bronze plaque from Yemen with an engraving that is more than two thousand years old, found in America. The tablet speaks of a god named Attar Sharman, of whom scientists have never heard. According to analyzes carried out by scientists, the artifact is more than two thousand years old.
“This plaque was taken from a temple dedicated to the god Attar Sharman. This temple and the name of God, which is mentioned in the text, were not previously known to science. Some details suggest that the temple was in close proximity to Sana'a, the capital of Yemen,”said Christian Robin, distinguished researcher at the French National Center for Scientific Research, adding that he believes the tablet dates from the first century BC.
Historical records speak of several kingdoms that flourished in Yemen over two thousand years ago. Some of them actively traded in incense, fabrics and spices.
The bronze plaque recently auctioned by Artemis Gallery is shrouded in mystery. Scientists are struggling to solve and try to find answers to various questions. Where was the unknown temple? What is this religion? Who are these people named on the tablet? And how did she get to the American collector?
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Ancient Keys
The text provides several clues that lead to the conclusion that the temple was located near Sana'a. There is another similar tablet with an inscription in the Sabaean language, discovered in 1909 at the site of Shibam Al-Giras, located northeast of Sana'a. It speaks of a bath (church) located in Shibam Al-Giras. This ancient text was deciphered long ago, so they could quickly read the new tablet.
Looting problems
Yemen has been in a civil war since 2011, and the International Council of Museums has raised concerns that artifacts stolen from the country are being sold on the black market. In January last year, the Council published a "Red List" of types of cultural property that could be stolen from the country.
The list includes ancient inscriptions on stone and metal plates. Several scholars were concerned that a bronze plaque found in the United States may have been stolen by looters.
Investigation
Bob Dodge, founder and CEO of Artemis Gallery, said the gallery had conducted its own investigation and found that the exhibit had not been taken out of the country illegally. The experts did not provide details.
This value was bought by the California auction house in 2015 at the sale of the old collection of New Orleans. The former owner has died, and it is not possible to trace the earlier history of the tablet.
Representatives of the gallery assured that if they find out that the plate was taken out of Yemen illegally, they will immediately return it to the country.
Irina Darovko