A strange weapon (tool?) with arabic marking

[Stan S.]

This meat cleaver is probably designed to break through bones (hence it is more of a sturdy wedge to be struck with a hammer, rather than being lighter axe-like implement). I am very curious however as to why some are rather lavishly decorated? Clealry not a tool of a simple butcher... Were these intended to be used at the table rather than in the kitchen? And if so, are there any specific traditions/customs surrounding their use?

[Devadatta]

Thank you all very much! Unfortunatelly it's not mine and I don't kniw the dimensions, while the original owner is still offline.

[ALEX]

Originally Posted by Stan S.

...I am very curious however as to why some are rather lavishly decorated? Clealry not a tool of a simple butcher...

Stan, regarding the "lavish" decor - the're all acid etched, which is considered the "lowest" form of decoration. this is the easiest and most mass--production method which requires very little skill and also least expensive.
Do not let the "intricacy" of depiction full you. It is very simple and was done in bundles by the lowest-paid workers using the same template (likely to fetch a bit more money for being "decorated"), but the prestige of such decoration is according.