A Yemeni archaeology enthusiast, Abdullah Mohsen, recently unveiled a collection of rare Yemeni antiquities, including a statue of “King Qataban,” at a warehouse in Paris. The discovery of these artifacts raised concerns about the trafficking of cultural heritage.
In early 2020, French authorities found 15 Yemeni antiquities during a routine inspection, prompting them to contact the Center for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property and Antiquities. The Yemeni embassy in Paris was also involved in verifying the authenticity of the artifacts.
Mohsen expressed frustration over the delay in repatriating the antiquities back to Yemen, citing challenges faced by the Ministry of Culture in the war-torn country. The lack of resources and support has hindered the Antiquities Authority’s ability to protect Yemen’s cultural heritage.
As the fifth year approaches since the artifacts were seized in Paris, Mohsen emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the issue and called for the return of Yemen’s smuggled antiquities.