A rare Yemeni cylinder seal, believed to date back to the first century BC, was recently showcased and sold at a prominent art auction in New York City, drawing attention from archaeologists and cultural heritage advocates.

The artifact, made of electrum gold and engraved with Musnad inscriptions, was part of a private collection acquired by Fortuna Fine Arts Ltd.. According to Yemeni antiquities expert Abdullah Mohsen, the seal features an octagonal design, capped ends, and a hanging hole, making it a unique example of ancient South Arabian craftsmanship.

The sale has reignited debate over the smuggling and commercialization of Yemeni antiquities, especially amid ongoing conflict and weak enforcement of cultural protection laws. Reports indicate that thousands of Yemeni artifacts have been trafficked and sold in Western countries over the past decade, with many ending up in museums and private collections.

Yemeni authorities and international organizations have called for stronger measures to halt illicit antiquities trade, urging the repatriation of stolen cultural items and the preservation of Yemen’s rich archaeological legacy.