Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - A koummya- and contexts

Jim McDougall · 27th March 2025, 06:43 PM

I have long been aware of these Moroccan daggers, which are apparently the North African version of the Arabian janbiyya or khanjhar, which as I understand are basically the same but with localized characteristics and called by these different terms accordingly.

In the years of discussions it seems most of these found these days are of the souvenir category from early 1900s well through the century, and if course are most attractive daggers well representing the desirable exotica often sought by westerners.

It seems generally held that these were primarily status oriented weapons worn accordingly and not typically used as daggers would be presumed to be. In most, especially older examples, they would be notably adequate of course.

I recently found this in a shop here in Texas. Apparently from the estate of a well traveled gentleman who acquired it along with some other items and curiosities in his time in Saudi Arabia. It seems that the hilt is not ivory but camel bone. It is quite sound and seems heavy, and I think likely from the 1920s.

While not sure of the date period, it seems 1920s would be reasonable.
With that, as I bought this, I thought of the Rif Wars (1920-26) and of course the famed Berber chief, Mulai Ahmed er Raisuni (1871-1925) better known as RAISULI.
He was quite notorious as a warrior as well as pirate, leader of the Jebala tribal confederacy, he was featured in the film "The Wind and the Lion" (1975) portrayed by Sean Connery.(Thanks Wayne!).

Though I am certainly not suggesting any connection to him, nor to the Berber tribes, in context, in these times the koummya would seem to have been in use in accord with the fashion of the times in Morocco. ...and if the date on this is from that period, then it has historical context.

The book in the photo is a 1925 biography by Rosita Forbes.

As always, I'd really appreciate comments and observations as you guys really know these. This is honestly the first Ive ever had in over 50 years of collecting and study!
Athough the blade is unmarked, that sort of disappointed me.....this dagger really 'called' to me, and felt like it might have stories to tell

27th March 2025, 06:43 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,133	A koummya- and contexts I have long been aware of these Moroccan daggers, which are apparently the North African version of the Arabian janbiyya or khanjhar, which as I understand are basically the same but with localized characteristics and called by these different terms accordingly. In the years of discussions it seems most of these found these days are of the souvenir category from early 1900s well through the century, and if course are most attractive daggers well representing the desirable exotica often sought by westerners. It seems generally held that these were primarily status oriented weapons worn accordingly and not typically used as daggers would be presumed to be. In most, especially older examples, they would be notably adequate of course. I recently found this in a shop here in Texas. Apparently from the estate of a well traveled gentleman who acquired it along with some other items and curiosities in his time in Saudi Arabia. It seems that the hilt is not ivory but camel bone. It is quite sound and seems heavy, and I think likely from the 1920s. While not sure of the date period, it seems 1920s would be reasonable. With that, as I bought this, I thought of the Rif Wars (1920-26) and of course the famed Berber chief, Mulai Ahmed er Raisuni (1871-1925) better known as RAISULI. He was quite notorious as a warrior as well as pirate, leader of the Jebala tribal confederacy, he was featured in the film "The Wind and the Lion" (1975) portrayed by Sean Connery.(Thanks Wayne!). Though I am certainly not suggesting any connection to him, nor to the Berber tribes, in context, in these times the koummya would seem to have been in use in accord with the fashion of the times in Morocco. ...and if the date on this is from that period, then it has historical context. The book in the photo is a 1925 biography by Rosita Forbes. As always, I'd really appreciate comments and observations as you guys really know these. This is honestly the first Ive ever had in over 50 years of collecting and study! Athough the blade is unmarked, that sort of disappointed me.....this dagger really 'called' to me, and felt like it might have stories to tell Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 28th March 2025 at 02:30 AM.