A South Arabian Alabaster Funerary Stela, Qataban, circa 3rd/2nd Century B.C.

carved in high relief with the figure of a man standing with his hands resting on his abdomen, and wearing a short tunic and long-sleeved shirt, his name and lineage "ʿAliyyan of Hirran" engraved on the plinth below, the reused panel with two long grooves and a two-character inscription (mim and alif) on the reverse.

Captain John Aylward (1929-1986), R.A, F.I.C.S., collected by him near near Hayd ibn 'Aqil, the necropolis of the ancient Timna', capital of the kingdom of Qataban
by descent to the present owners

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

We are grateful to Christian Robin for his reading and dating of the inscription.