South Arabia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, probably Qatabanian culture, ca. 3rd century BCE to 1st century CE. An exceptional and adorable small offering table in beautiful banded alabaster, a member of the calcite family. Sitting on three rounded legs of slightly conical form with thick tableau with lightly raised rim, shallow central depression and decorated around entire circumference with incised ribbing.

The people of ancient South Arabia practiced a form of paganism that would ultimately be replaced by Islam, and that is largely lost to us today. It involved ritual sacrifice of animals, using tables like this one to present small offerings to their gods. Dishes like these were made to be placed into a tomb to hold such offerings. Size: 4.9" W x 3.25" H (12.4 cm x 8.3 cm)

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#175733

Minor chips around periphery else intact and quiet excellent