Important Sabaean Bronze Votive Amulet in Form of an Arm with Inscription to the Previously Unknown Goddess “dhāt Bagr”

Culture: South Arabia/Sabaean

Period: 2nd-3rd century A.D.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 7.2 cm long

Price: 2 400 Euro

Ref: 6654

Provenance: Swiss private collection A. K., acquired prior to 1971. On 2 December 2011 acquired by the French art dealer Joseph Uzan, gallery Samarcande, Paris. Until recently in their estate. With a copy of the 2011 invoice.

Condition: Intact

Description: Solid bronze amulet in form of a right forearm with an inscription of gratitude to a previously unknown goddess. The hand is formed to a fist and possibly once held a separately worked out object. Above the elbow is an eyelet for suspension. The inscription runs along almost the entire length of the arm. The translation reads: “To dhāt Bgr for his hand.” The French expert on ancient Near Eastern studies Christian Julien Robin assumes that the amulet served as a votive offering. The donor wanted to thank the previously unknown goddess “dhāt Bgr” for healing his arm. A publication of the text by Robin is currently under preparation. Mounted.