Can anyone tell me about this dagger (khanjar)?

Steve · 30th July 2010, 03:32 AM

Hi, From my knowledge of these jambiyas I think what you have has come from the Jizan/Asir area of the current Saudi Arabia. By the look of the belt which is a common working class Yemen variety, maybe a little south than north from this area. Although Zanzibar had a strong relationship with Oman, I think this jambiya probably found its way to Zanzibar via the Red Sea - maybe by a sailor or fisherman working this area.

As far as the blade goes, the etchings are not uncommon and must have been a fad at some time. The little head appears often and is usually accompanied with a religious inscription. Sometimes there is a dove or pigeon with jewish stars. I don't know about your translation. Unfortunately, these etchings generally appear on blades of poorer quality. I'm not too sure about the one you have.

The weight you mention is about right for this jambiya+ belt form. Nice piece from an interesting area. Regards.

R_p_doyle · 30th July 2010, 05:42 PM

Vandoo and Steve,

Thanks a million for the insight. I'm fascinated by the culture and history of the East African coast... especially the islands like Lamu and Zanzibar. I'd love to find out where this piece and a another I have fits into history.

Vandoo - when you say that it is probably of considerable age, do you think the owner's estimate of "100 years old" was a good ballpark estimate?

Steve - If it is over 100 years old it probably dates from Ottoman times, right? Is that who was in control of the Jizan/Asir area on the Arabian peninsula at that time? I'd also love to know if the hexagrams have a Jewish or Islamic meaning... I guess I'm going to have to find someone who reads Arabic for that.

I've also attached photos of another dagger I acquired in Zanzibar on this trip. I don't think it's as special as the silver one, but it certainly looks pretty... I know that the handle and sheath are made of solid amber (which is in good condition relative to others I saw there) and silver with lapis lazuli and coral inlays.

Any more insight can give on either of these pieces will be very much appreciated.

Thanks again Steve and Vandoo.

30th July 2010, 05:42 PM	#2
R_p_doyle Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 2	Vandoo and Steve, Thanks a million for the insight. I'm fascinated by the culture and history of the East African coast... especially the islands like Lamu and Zanzibar. I'd love to find out where this piece and a another I have fits into history. Vandoo - when you say that it is probably of considerable age, do you think the owner's estimate of "100 years old" was a good ballpark estimate? Steve - If it is over 100 years old it probably dates from Ottoman times, right? Is that who was in control of the Jizan/Asir area on the Arabian peninsula at that time? I'd also love to know if the hexagrams have a Jewish or Islamic meaning... I guess I'm going to have to find someone who reads Arabic for that. I've also attached photos of another dagger I acquired in Zanzibar on this trip. I don't think it's as special as the silver one, but it certainly looks pretty... I know that the handle and sheath are made of solid amber (which is in good condition relative to others I saw there) and silver with lapis lazuli and coral inlays. Any more insight can give on either of these pieces will be very much appreciated. Thanks again Steve and Vandoo. Attached Images

30th July 2010, 03:32 AM	#1
Steve Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 58	Hi, From my knowledge of these jambiyas I think what you have has come from the Jizan/Asir area of the current Saudi Arabia. By the look of the belt which is a common working class Yemen variety, maybe a little south than north from this area. Although Zanzibar had a strong relationship with Oman, I think this jambiya probably found its way to Zanzibar via the Red Sea - maybe by a sailor or fisherman working this area. As far as the blade goes, the etchings are not uncommon and must have been a fad at some time. The little head appears often and is usually accompanied with a religious inscription. Sometimes there is a dove or pigeon with jewish stars. I don't know about your translation. Unfortunately, these etchings generally appear on blades of poorer quality. I'm not too sure about the one you have. The weight you mention is about right for this jambiya+ belt form. Nice piece from an interesting area. Regards.