South Arabian art

"The ancient Kingdoms of South Arabia have been recognized as the cradle of civilization for the Arabian Peninsula and their contribution to the identity of Arabia cannot be underestimated. For the first time, this volume provides scholars and students a coherent synthesis of South Arabian art, from its origins, to its gradual development in a distinctive local art and, finally, to its decline with the advent of Islam. Each chapter provides a historical summary of the period, a review of representative art and a discussion of the distinctive character, stylistic and iconographic originality of South Arabian art, shaped by a creative interpretation of external influences."--P. 4 of cover.