Sabean finds from Marib Alabaster - 20 buqsha

Sabean finds from Marib Alabaster - 20 buqsha

Year
1961
Face Value
20
Mint Value
-
Used Value
-
Print Run
-
Themes
Art

Catalogs References

Michel
YE-AR 223A
Yvert & Tellier
YE-K 107
Stanley Gibbons
YE-AR 149

Technical Details

Colors
Multicolor
Perforation
11¾
Printing
Photogravure
Printers
Courvoisier (Helio Courvoisier) S. A.
This airmail stamp highlights the intricate sculptural heritage of ancient South Arabian civilization by illustrating a detailed relief carving of a winged beast or monster alongside a human figure, meticulously sculpted in locally sourced alabaster. Discovered during archaeological excavations in Marib, the legendary capital of the Kingdom of Sheba (Saba), this classical artwork reflects the unique mythological storytelling, complex religious iconography, and sophisticated craftsmanship that flourished along the ancient incense and spice routes. By featuring this artifact on an airmail issue, the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen showcases its profound pride in its pre-Islamic artistic legacy, utilizing the postal medium to document and preserve the nation's foundational cultural identity and historical refinement for the international community.