Sanaa:The General Authority for Antiquities and Museums has recently published a book titled "For Antiquities, a Homeland," which focuses on documenting looted Yemeni artefacts.
According to Yemen News Agency, Abbad Al-Hayal, the head of the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums, stated that the book aims to track Yemeni antiquities that have been looted and smuggled out of the country. These artefacts are being traced in museums, auctions, and private collections, particularly in European countries and America.
Al-Hayal emphasized that this initiative represents a step towards asserting Yemen's rights over its cultural heritage, which is being openly traded in some museums and auctions. He highlighted that Yemen is a state with a rich political entity and ancient civilization, and its history should not be disregarded.
The book categorizes the antiquities by type, including Musnad inscriptions, coins, ornaments, decorative tools, seals, amulets, weapons, statues, mythical creatures, gravestones, architectural elements, incense burners, oil lamps, offering tables, altars, vessels, tools, and manuscripts. Al-Hayal pointed out that the arrangement has unexpectedly benefited the presentation of Yemen's rich heritage.
Additionally, Al-Hayal noted that while aspects of Yemen's civilization have been explored in academic research, compiling these studies into one comprehensive book provides a valuable resource. The book also showcases images from Yemen's storied past, offering insights into the art, history, and cultural heritage of the nation across various historical periods.
