Sana'a — Spanish authorities have opened an official investigation into the auction of two ancient Yemeni artifacts in Barcelona, amid growing concerns over the smuggling and sale of cultural heritage from conflict zones.

The probe was initiated after Yemeni antiquities expert Abdullah Mohsen raised alarms about the sale of two funerary tombstones from the ancient Kingdom of Qataban, dating back to the 1st century BC–1st century AD. The items were reportedly offered at the “Grand Summer Auction” hosted by Templum Auction House on July 30, 2025.

According to Mohsen, one of the tombstones features a bull’s head and originates from a private European collection. He also noted that the Musnad inscription on the artifact appears to be falsified, deviating from authentic South Arabian script conventions.

Spanish police are now investigating the provenance of the artifacts and whether they were smuggled out of Yemen illegally. The case has sparked renewed scrutiny over the international trade in antiquities, especially those originating from countries experiencing armed conflict and political instability.

Cultural activists and heritage experts have condemned the sale, calling it a violation of international norms and a threat to Yemen’s historical legacy. “This is yet another example of Yemen’s looted history being casually traded abroad,” Mohsen wrote on social media.

The Spanish investigation is expected to examine documentation provided by the auction house, the origin of the artifacts, and potential breaches of UNESCO conventions on the protection of cultural property.

Yemen’s Ministry of Culture has not yet issued an official statement, but local heritage advocates are urging international cooperation to halt the trafficking of antiquities and ensure the return of stolen artifacts to their countries of origin.