NYN | News
Yemen’s heritage is witnessing one of its most tragic chapters after the National Museum in Sana’a suffered severe damage in the latest Israeli airstrike, which destroyed hundreds of rare artifacts — including the famous bronze statue known as the “Lady of Incense.”
Abdullah Mohsen, a researcher specializing in Yemeni antiquities, explained that more than 735 artifacts were damaged by the bombing, including 33 pieces completely destroyed, 218 still buried under rubble, and 483 others stored in boxes, according to an official report issued by the Authority of Antiquities and Museums in Sana’a.
In a post on Facebook, Mohsen expressed his sorrow, writing: “The Lady of Incense has her hands broken… what grief!”He noted that the statue, dating back to the 5th century BCE, is one of the most remarkable Yemeni bronze masterpieces, representing a glimpse of the ancient civilization of South Arabia.
He emphasized that Yemen’s cultural heritage is now at risk of extinction due to direct Israeli bombardment, as well as looting and illegal excavations, concluding his remarks by saying: “Our antiquities have no protector.”
