Brass dots on a blade??

[Steve]

Thanks for the input at the end there, Gav and Jim. I think what I've got is certainly an Hadhrami rhino hilt wedded, probably, to an Indian blade. From Gav's comment it would make sense if the ceremony took place in India. After looking at 100's of yemeni blades it's the only one I've seen with this type of decoration. Thanks again, Steve

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Steve,
You are most welcome, and I think you're spot on in the application of the dots probably going on in India. It has always seemed to me that dagger blades were the one edged weapon constant in Arabia, while sword blades gave way to imports. Naturally the profound settlement of Arabs in India would establish those artisans there as well.

The trimurti configuration on Indian blades often appears on strategic locations on blades, such as at terminus of fullers, blade root and the like, so it would seem that the placement here is for specific purpose. As always the application of marks, symbols and certain motif is often only temporally known by the individual making them or requesting them placed on the weapon. I would imagine in this location on your janbiyya, these are placed talismanically to prevent effects from the negative forces of the iron in the blade or if used, from the victim. Perhaps this might explain the 'poison' in the blade story.

I think this interesting janbiyya is an excellent example of how even the simplest appearing weapon can be an entirely fascinating example of ethnographica full of exciting tales. Very nice!

All the best,
Jim

[archer]

Hi Steve, Here's another one dots are not the same size? They appear to be copper. the components could older than the blade.

Steve

[David R]

I have a Syrian dagger with the three dot inlay in copper, in addition to two teardrops in yellow metal and two plain large dots in copper, all arranged symetricaly down the blade . They could have a meaning, but then again, they could be just simple decoration.
I think in some cases, a single nail/rivit at random, they are just a way of hiding a flaw in the blade.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Ive seen many khanjars and a few old Omani battle swords (turned down quillons / spiked pommel broad short blade) with the dot or three dots. I also collect Omani Chests many brass studded and brass plated and the story of brass reflecting evil is applicable there. Islamic belief (which is likely to be a pre Islamic structure) has it that Iron attracts Evil whilst gold or brass repels it. Its only rarely seen now in Omani blades but I do go with that idea. On the other hand it could have been a jolly good way to have the blades appear as more expensive..

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Ive seen many khanjars and a few old Omani battle swords (turned down quillons / spiked pommel broad short blade) with the dot or three dots. I also collect Omani Chests many brass studded and brass plated and the story of brass reflecting evil is applicable there. Islamic belief (which is likely to be a pre Islamic structure) has it that Iron attracts Evil whilst gold or brass repels it. Its only rarely seen now in Omani blades but I do go with that idea. On the other hand it could have been a jolly good way to have the blades appear as more expensive..

Outstanding Ibrahiim! Thank you for the input on this interesting topic. This was a most interesting discussion and your bringing it back up with such well placed observations is gratefully appreciated. Having insight directly from Oman really gives sound perspective.

All the best,
Jim

[Steve]

Thanks guys for raising this again and thanks Ibrahiim, I would also go with your assessment on the use of the brass dots in these blades. It's probably a technique imported from further east - india or china - I would say.
Issue solved I think,
Steve

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Steve

Thanks for the input at the end there, Gav and Jim. I think what I've got is certainly an Hadhrami rhino hilt wedded, probably, to an Indian blade. From Gav's comment it would make sense if the ceremony took place in India. After looking at 100's of yemeni blades it's the only one I've seen with this type of decoration. Thanks again, Steve

Speculatively speaking, as the collection as a whole appeared to be from the North western frontiers of India, could the blade be from the Afghan regions and the dots represent Timurs banner?