LONDON: Officials at Britain’s Victoria and Albert Museum signed a historic deal with Yemen on Tuesday to care for four ancient stone artifacts found by police in an east London shop.
Dating from the second half of the first millennium BC, the stelae are believed to have been stolen from necropolises exposed in recent years of looting.
The Metropolitan Police’s Art and Antiquities Unit, which investigates art theft, illegal trading and fraud, acquired the stones after an archeology enthusiast spotted them in an interior design shop.
Under the terms of the agreement, the museum will temporarily care for, examine and conserve the stelae before returning them to Yemen when it is safe to do so.
The stones will be put on public display at London’s East Storehouse museum when it opens in 2025, the Guardian reported.
The agreement was signed by museum director Tristram Hunt and the Yemeni ambassador to the UK, Yassin Saeed Noman Ahmed.
Hunt told the news paper: “This is a historic deal that will give the public an opportunity to appreciate these exceptional examples of Yemeni culture and creativity before the objects are repatriated and shine a light on how V and A’s Culture in Crisis program is helping.” curb the illegal trade in looted items and protect cultural heritage around the world.
Charles Harper, Deputy British Ambassador to Yemen, said: “Arts and culture can play an important role in society’s recovery from conflict and this agreement is a fantastic way to ensure that Yemeni culture remains in the care of Yemen.
“The war has taken a devastating toll on Yemenis. The UK will continue to support UN efforts to achieve a sustainable and inclusive peace in Yemen.
The stones are of their kind on the International Council of Museums’ Emergency Red List of Endangered Cultural Objects.
