A Rare Sighting of a Fish

Michael Blalock · 31st March 2026, 04:16 PM

I would like to clarify that "anthropomorphic" was a poor choice of words on my part; I believe the correct principle is aniconic, referring to the practice of not depicting sentient life.

While Jewish artisans made the finest Jambiyas, this piece was likely made for a Muslim wearer, as Jews in Yemen were forbidden from wearing them. The script found above, below, and on the sides is most likely a prayer referencing Yunus from the Koran. Yunus is also known to us as Jonah, one of the revered prophets of the Abrahamic faiths, and referencing him was considered a blessing. I can only read a portion of the beginning La, Allahu.

31st March 2026, 04:16 PM	#7
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 273	Fish I would like to clarify that "anthropomorphic" was a poor choice of words on my part; I believe the correct principle is aniconic, referring to the practice of not depicting sentient life. While Jewish artisans made the finest Jambiyas, this piece was likely made for a Muslim wearer, as Jews in Yemen were forbidden from wearing them. The script found above, below, and on the sides is most likely a prayer referencing Yunus from the Koran. Yunus is also known to us as Jonah, one of the revered prophets of the Abrahamic faiths, and referencing him was considered a blessing. I can only read a portion of the beginning La, Allahu.