File:Lihyan statue.jpg

العربية: Lihyanite royal head of a bearded man, from Tayma, Saudi Arabia, 6th–3rd century BC. Originally part of a massive 4-meters-high statue carved from a single block. Its extremely expressive features, such as the eyebrows, eyes, nose, and the mouth, along with the ears and hairstyle held by a band, exude a powerful and realistic aura. The carved eyeballs retain traces of the pupil’s modelling. Preserved fragments of similar kind indicate that these statues were dressed in a waist-bound loincloth with a slanted trimming, ending above the knee and secured by a double belt. Their over-garment had short sleeves. Arms, forearms, and fingers were adorned with carved bracelets and rings. Traces of paint, as seen on a belt fragment from Tayma, indicate that these statues were once entirely or partly painted. The smooth backside of several fragments show that these statues were positioned against a wall, rendering that side invisible.