Rings on Yemeni jambiya: what for?

[ariel]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

Hey Ariel,

These are worn outside the belt with leather through the rings and inside the belt. The examples of ones tucked behind the belt I saw are new marriages mostly.

Thanks.
But I am still confused: all jambiyas shown in the S. Gracie's book are tucked behind the belt and there are no visible retaining cords/ straps.
Furthermore, most jambiyas on Artzi's site have no little rings.

If what you are saying is correct ( some worn inside, some outside), is there a tribal/social class/ ethnic distinction between them? I can imagine the way to secure these "ring-y" jambiyas outside the belt, but IMHO, the only way to do it would be to wear them vertically, i.e. Manassib-style. How would it influence the Thouma jambiyas?