Antique Omani Arab Silver Mounted Islamic Arabic Dagger Jambiya Khanjar c. 1900
A superb quality antique circa 1900 AD Middle Eastern Omani Arab silver mounted Islamic Arabic dagger jambiya or khanjar.
This weapon features a curved double-edged blade with a medial ridge and a silver-mounted composition hilt with a large ferrule. The hilt is finely hand-chiseled with designs of scrolling vegetation.
The wooden scabbard is covered at the exterior by woven silver and mounted with a large silver locket hand chiseled with scrolling vegetation ensuite with the hilt ferrule.
The scabbard's center has a large silver suspension mount, which includes silver rings for attaching it to the belt. The scabbard's tip has a chiseled silver chape. The back of the scabbard is covered in gray velvet.
The leather belt is intricately embroidered with strips of silver wire, highlighted with gold, and backed by fabric.NOTE: The jambiya is a type of dagger traditionally worn by men on the outside of their clothing as a symbol of their honor and social status. It is considered a status symbol and a way for the owner to display their wealth. For some, the jambiya holds a mystical significance.
The term jambiya is derived from the Arabic word for "side" since the dagger is typically worn on one's side.The intricate silverwork on this object indicates that it was likely crafted in Nizwa. The curved dagger, known as a jambiya, was commonly worn in the Sur region of Oman - a prosperous and significant city on the coast. Sur was renowned for being a center for shipbuilding and a hub for trade with Zanzibar and other parts of the East African coast.
MEASUREMENTS:
Height with the scabbard: 28 cm (11 inches).
The overall length of the belt: 83 cm (32.68 inches)CONDITION: in good condition and shape considering its age, with signs of age and usage.
REFERENCES:
1. A similar Jambiya is published in the book "Les Armes Blanches du Monde Islamique: Armes de poing, Épées, Sabres, Poignards, Couteaux" by Alain Jacob, page 139.
Please see the last picture in the listing.
2. "The Arms and Armour of Arabia in 18th-19th and 20th centuries" by Robert Elgood.
3. "Les Armes Blanches du Monde Islamique" by Alain Jacob.
4. "Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime's Passion" by Robert Hale.
The buyer will receive copies of the pages from these two references and a certificate of authenticity.