CSAI
Corpus of South Arabian Inscriptions

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Maʿīn 100


Robin, Antonini and Bron 2005-2006: 275-279, fig. 171

SUPPORT INFORMATION

Support typeArtefact » Stela » Stela with framework
TopConcave
MaterialStone
Decoration
TypeFramework » With geometric elements
Figurative subjectGeometric motif » Horizontal grooves
Figurative subjectGeometric motif » Dentils
Figurative subjectGeometric motif » False window
Decoration
TypeFramework » With abstract-figurative elements
Figurative subjectHuman figure
      GenderUndefined
      Part of human bodyComplete figure
      Human gestureStanding
      Human clothes and attributesWings
      ViewIn profile
Decoration
Figurative subjectMonogram
      Resolved monogramZlm
Figurative subjectSymbol
      Symbol's shapeTor
      Symbol's referenceGod: ʿṯtr ḏ-Qbḍ
Decoration
TypeFramework » With abstract-figurative elements
Figurative subjectAnimal » Bull
      Part of animal bodyHead
      ViewFrontal
Figurative subjectAnimal » Mythical animal
      ViewIn profile
Figurative subjectHuman figure
      Part of human bodyComplete figure
      Human gestureStanding
      ViewIn profile
Figurative subjectVessel » Situla
Figurative subjectVessel » Aspergillum
Notes on support and decorationsRectangular stela, slightly concave on the top, with framework, finishing with a recessed base to be inserted in a support. The photograph is not clearly readable. According to the editors, the upper part is decorated with series of squared dentils and horizontal grooves. Lateral sides decorated with false window motif and man in profile inside squares. The man are probably winged genii, in profile, faced towards the text, with a situla and an aspergillum in form of cone. Above the inscription (Robin, Antonini and Bron 2005-2006: 276) six sphinxes at the sides of a horned animal's head, which is reproduced also in panels bordering the text (most probably bull's heads with a decorative element between the horns). The sphinxes have animal body, human head, shaped wings and upper tail.

ORIGIN AND PROVENANCE

Origin
Modern siteMaʿīn
Ancient siteQrnw
Geographical areaJawf - Wādī Madhab
CountryYemen
Link to site record

CULTURAL NOTES

Art
The decoration of Neo-Assyrian influence of this stela is an unicum in the Minaean artistic panorama. It can be compared with a recently studied Sabaean bronze plaque from Nashq, decorated with neo-assyrian genii, whose inscription records trading expeditions towards the North. On the basis of palaeography and of the king mentioned, this Minaic inscription seems more recent than the Sabaean one. It is striking that in the text no reference justifies the singular decoration.

EPIGRAPHS

TitleMaʿīn 100
LanguageAncient South Arabian » Minaic » Central Minaic
Link to epigraph record

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Robin, Antonini and Bron 2005-2006Robin, Christian J., Antonini, Sabina and Bron, François 2005-2006. Nouvelles inscriptions de Maʿīn. Arabia. Revue de Sabéologie, 3: 273-280.