Description:

Ancient South Arabia, Yemen, ca. early first millennium BCE. A rare object from a fascinating culture, this is a set of cup-like bronze bells on a bronze linked chain. These were made to be placed on camels traveling in caravans so that they could be found in a sandstorm. They still make a wonderful sound that you can imagine guiding you through darkness. Each bell is approximately: 2.1" W x 2.25" H (5.3 cm x 5.7 cm); chain is 17" (43.2 cm).

The camel was domesticated in South Arabia some time during the Bronze Age (ca. 3000 BCE), and rapidly became central to its economy. Camels allowed Arabians to traverse the vast desert of the Rub' al-Khali, "the Empty Quarter", and were the main method of transport for long-distance trade north to the huge urban centers of the ancient Near East. In turn, South Arabia became famous as a source of perfumes and incense necessary to religious ceremonies in Mesopotamia and beyond.

Provenance: ex-private East Coast, USA collection

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#121269

  • Condition: Overall light green patina and small areas of encrustation on surface. Both bells are still functional and make a lovely sound together.

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April 12, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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