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Faces of Ancient Arabia: The Giraud and Carolyn Foster Collection of South Arabian Art
7/20/2008

Faces of Ancient Arabia: The Giraud and Carolyn Foster Collection of South Arabian Art
July 20–September 7, 2008

Southern Arabia, now the Republic of Yemen, played an important political and economic role during antiquity. The South Arabian kingdom of Saba was probably the land of the Queen of Sheba, and ancient authors wrote about its immense wealth, huge temples and precious statues. They marveled at its towering, multistory houses—the first skyscrapers—and elaborate irrigation systems including the first known high dam. Comprising almost 100 sculptures, statues, relief carvings and inscribed blocks, this exhibition examines the artistic sophistication and visual splendor of works from the ancient Southern Arabian kingdoms that prospered through trade in incense and other precious commodities. The incense trade route, which included the Mediterranean, Egypt and the Near East, led Western explorers to discover this region. Through a recent gift from the private collection of Giraud and Carolyn Foster, these mostly alabaster artifacts dating from the fourth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. will bring to life the art and history of a rich culture of the ancient world, largely unknown to many Westerners. Works by world renowned contemporary Yemeni artist Fuad al-Futaih, as well as modern-day photographs of the countries landscapes and people, will be included throughout the exhibition.

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