Pair of Malabar Coast Knives

[KeithJ]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

cross etching
Salaams fearn~ Not quite the full story. In fact it is sometimes very difficult to pinpoint age on decoration alone. The carving, however, tells us that it's Malabari.. since design in associated woodcarving e.g. The Malabari Chest, carries the same style on the front and in addition what is not visible on the chest is the side panels which are cross etched # also like the daggers.

The age is agreed at about late 19th early 20th C.. but as you point out ... additionally from the general appearance, the blade wear and a certain feeling of its antiquity. The wood carving of that era in Malabar chests presents us with some linked evidence so I think the overall impression leads us to the age conclusion. The evidence is in the chests and the gut feeling is in the look of the item. One is factual whilst the other is apparent no?

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Dear Ibrahiim,

The question of using the chests carving to date the knives is an interesting one. It does raise a few questions, the main one being, when did carvings of a similar design appear in the Malabar Coast area? Is the engraved design a 19th century creation or was it copied from an earlier period? Some research into the area of MC pieces with similar designs on other mediums (furniture, fabric, metal wares), might add some insight into the age.

Best regards,
KeithJ