I really enjoyed the Freer Gallery of Art’s small permanent collection dealing with the history of the southwestern part of the Arabian peninsula, or modern Yemen.
The area has suffered from horrific warfare since 2014, which has endangered much of its historical heritage. This is tragic, because although the area never boasted the wealth of Europe, Asia, and Africa’s wealthiest ancient centers, the cultural heritage of Yemen is a unique blend of regional and cosmopolitan that I found compelling.
First off, it was critical in the Ancient economy for its incense trade (See third slide for 1st-century incense burner made of limestone): specifically, frankincense and myrrh, which were in great demand across Eurasian trade routes. Since the plants used in these products only grow in Yemen, Oman, Ethiopia, and Somalia, Yemen was perfectly suited for both production and exchange.
The exhibit also showcases the whimsical hand-shaped lantern attached to a rectangular shape that mimics a scroll. (100-50 BCE) The realism in this piece adheres to Hellenistic artistic values, and Yemen’s artisans had exposure to this style. On the other hand (haha a Yemen art pun), the eyes staring out of the funerary stone sculptures (from the first century CE) in the second slide reflect more regional influences. Eyes were thought to be ways of communicating with the Gods. Some of the facial features are also found among contemporary peoples living in the area of modern Jordan.
The world-views and peoples that created this art have long since been lost to time, and I love the specific way that they have left their mark in human history.
