Caravan Crafts Exhibit Features 100 Ancient Archaeological Objects From Yemen Region by Fresia Rodriguez Cadavid Beautiful ruins of art from Yemen come alive in a new exhibit at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery titled “Caravan Kingdoms: Yemen and the Ancient Incense Trade.” The exhibit brings together more than 100 archaeological objects that narrate the rich and glorious history of civilizations that populated the region of Yemen, which was once located on the Gulf of Aden at the southern end of the Arabian peninsula bordering the Arabian and Red seas. The region played a central role in an ancient “global economy” that flourished from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean. Frankincense and myrrh grown in the Southern Arabian kingdoms of Saba (biblical Sheba), Qataban and Himyar were used in court and temple celebrations, spice markets, and the perfume industries of the Near East and Mediterranean worlds. The kingdoms gained wealth and prominence from caravan routes that spanned this southern Arabian peninsula. The exhibit celebrates the structural majesty, historic inscriptions and creative metalwork found within this culture. To simplify the navigation for viewers, the exhibit is separated into distinct areas examining writing and literacy, the incense trade, burials and funerary monuments, along with o ther themes found within the culture. The statue of Maadil Salhann, king of Awsan, is just one example of how the art of alabaster carving was mastered in the Yemen region. The statue, from the first century B.C., stands proud, erect and crowned, draped in a cloak and tunic and extending clenched fists, indicating that the hands originally held objects, perhaps offerings. The intrigue of the statue is undeniable and serves as an appropriate prelude to the collection as a whole. Yemen craftsmanship captured the era’s essence, which is demonstrated by portions of an altar on display that hails back to the sixth century B.C. The altar, probably from the city of Marib and dedicated to the deity Rahmay, is exquisitely composed of tin and bronze. The largest preserved portion of the altar consists of the front panel, which features three distinct rows of standing sphinxes below an inscription. The writing explains how the altar was built to commemorate a successful hunting trip. The second portion of a corresponding back panel of the altar is boldly flanked by a bull’s head. One of the exhibit’s many draws is the statue of Madikarib, also from Marib. Excavated from the Awam temple, it dates back as far as the seventh century B.C. Dedicated to the Saba national deity Almaqah, it is a creative expression of strength and power. The statue wears a skirt with a lion skin draped over his back. The lion’s paws are crossed over his chest, resembling statues of the Phoenician god Baal Melqart and the Greek hero Herakles. The statue exudes a mysticism and elegance absent in many archeological artifacts from other countries of the era. Another glorious masterpiece is a gold necklace with an amulet of the goddess al-Lat. From the first century, the captivating piece of jewelry serves as a tribute not only to the deities of the era but more specifically to the intensity of one’s spiritual relationship to these gods and goddesses. Inscriptions also played a central role in the era, as artisans celebrated their voice through earthly resources. Several inscriptions on display commemorate the significance of various occasions. One inscription from Baynum, made of limestone, dates back to the building of a palace. Another inscription, also of limestone, commemorates the construction as well. These intrinsic inscriptions give modern man a glimpse into how history was captured and preserved centuries ago when civilizations were coming to life, bringing viewers closer to the culture and era. “Caravan Kingdoms: Yemen and the Ancient Incense Trade” runs through Sept. 11 at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave., SW. For more information, please call (202) 633-1000 or visit www.asia.si.edu. Fresia Rodriguez Cadavid is a freelance writer in Washington D.C.