Sabaean throne in French museum sparks Yemeni antiquity smuggling concerns

The appearance of a rare Sabaean stone throne in a French museum has reignited debates regarding the smuggling of Yemeni antiquities. The artifact is currently displayed at the Champollion Museum in Vigeac, southern France.

Archaeological expert Abdullah Mohsen has called for the disclosure of the throne’s provenance and ownership history to determine if it was legally exported from Yemen. The limestone throne, measuring approximately 99x59x49 cm, dates back to the early Sabaean era. It was first identified in 2013 during a study by French researcher François Brun, who noted its origin as Wadi Ragwan in the Ma'rib Governorate.

Mohsen emphasized that Yemeni law imposes strict restrictions on the export of antiquities. He stated that the first step toward potential repatriation is verifying the legal path of the piece by reviewing museum entry documents and the chain of custody since its departure from Yemen. The case highlights the ongoing challenges facing Yemeni heritage, including looting and illicit excavations exacerbated by over a decade of conflict.