Sana'a – A rare alabaster statue believed to depict the head of a princess from the ancient Kingdom of Saba is set to be auctioned in Vienna next month, drawing renewed attention to Yemen’s looted heritage and calls for repatriation.

The statue, which dates back to the first century BCE, will be featured in the Antiquities and Ancient Arts Auction on November 21, 2025, according to documents reviewed by Yemeni antiquities researcher Abdullah Mohsen. The piece is one of three Yemeni artifacts listed in the sale and is currently owned by Joseph Ozan, proprietor of the Samarkand Gallery in Paris. It was reportedly acquired from a private Swiss collection, with documentation claiming it had been in the family’s possession since before 1971.

The sculpture, carved from translucent alabaster, is believed to originate from the ancient Sabaean civilization, which flourished in what is now Marib, Yemen. Its delicate features and stylistic elements suggest it may have represented a royal figure or high-ranking woman, making it a culturally significant artifact.

Yemeni scholars and activists have condemned the auction, arguing that the statue was likely smuggled out of Yemen during periods of conflict and instability. “This is not just a piece of art—it’s a stolen fragment of our identity,” Mohsen wrote on social media, urging international institutions to intervene and halt the sale.

The auction listing has reignited debate over the global trade in looted antiquities, especially from conflict zones like Yemen. Thousands of Yemeni artifacts have surfaced in international markets in recent years, prompting calls for stronger enforcement of cultural property laws and bilateral agreements to prevent illegal sales.

The Yemeni government and UNESCO have yet to issue formal statements regarding the Vienna auction, but heritage advocates are urging swift diplomatic action to recover the statue and other endangered artifacts.