V&A cares for looted ancient Yemeni funeral stones

Four funeral stones were first found in an east London interior design shop

The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is to exhibit four ancient carved stones found in an east London interior design shop by an archaeology enthusiast.

The stone faces are thought to have been looted from elaborate ancient tombs in Yemen.

In a historic agreement with the Republic of Yemen, the museum will research and temporarily care for the funerary stelae.

The stones were recovered by the Met Police's art and antiques unit, which investigates art theft, illegal trafficking and fraud.

Police commander Stephen Clayman, left, V&A director Tristram Hunt and Yemeni ambassador Yassin Saeed Noman Ahmed

The public will be able to see the items as part of a new display which will open at V&A East Storehouse from 2025.

The agreement between the museum and Yemen was signed on Tuesday by the director of the V&A, Tristram Hunt, and Yassin Saeed Noman Ahmed, ambassador for the Republic of Yemen based in the UK.

The V&A will take responsibility for the care of the stelae temporarily, until it has been decided that it is safe to return the objects to their country of origin.

The objects are of the type listed on the International Council of Museum's emergency red list of cultural objects at risk.

Mr Hunt said that he was "delighted" at the agreement.

"This is an historic agreement that will give the public the chance to appreciate these exceptional examples of Yemeni culture and creativity, before the objects are repatriated, and shine a light on how the V&A's Culture in Crisis programme helps curtail the illegal trade of looted objects and the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide," he said.

Charles Harper, UK charge d'affaires and deputy ambassador to Yemen, said: "Arts and culture can play an important role in rebuilding a society from conflict and this agreement is a fantastic way to ensure Yemeni culture remains in Yemeni care."

The V&A's Culture in Crisis programme was established in 2015 and looks to protect cultural heritage by working closely to support law-enforcement around the world to help prevent the illicit trade of cultural artefacts.

The stones will go on show at V&A East Storehouse, which is one of two new V&A East sites currently under construction in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.