An archaeological and artistic study of: Signatures of makers on tombstones in the Qaradhain cemetery in Sa'ada city.

The craftsmen's signatures reflect a vivid picture of their most important works, culture, and artistic touches. Their signatures in Al-Qardhain Cemetery in Sa'ada city testify to the development of these arts on the tombstones found in the cemetery. The research counted forty-eight signatures, representing (40%) of the tombstones studied in the doctoral dissertation entitled: "Islamic Tombstone Inscriptions in the Al-Qardhain Cemetery in Sa'ada, Yemen: (A Comparative Archaeological Study)." All of these signatures are new signatures by thirty-five Yemeni craftsmen, executed on tombstones dating back to the period between 606-1195 AH (1209-1781 AD). The research presented a study of their names, the locations of their signatures, their scripts, and the methods used to implement them. It also examined the period to which these signatures belong, and the extent of their mastery of calligraphy and decoration.The signatures of artisans on stone artifacts are among the most important physical documents used to authenticate works of art and attribute them to their creators. They reflect their skill in mastering engraving, drawing, and writing. Researchers are guided by these signatures to the artistic developments in calligraphy and decoration over successive eras, and they may also be used to determine the periods to which these works are attributed. Many professional tombstone makers are keen to include their signatures on them, and they have excelled in engraving not only their tombstones, but also the phrases that precede and follow them.