Lew Waldman's Ethnographic Arms & Armour Collection Archive


1120 - Yemeni Jambiya with "White Metal" Decorated Horn Hilt

This jambiya has a typical 7¾ inch (20 cm) long double edged curved blade with a moderately high, though rounded, mid rib on each face. The blade finish appears to be plated with a few dark patches and light scratches and rubbed away areas of a varnish-like coating. The edges appear to have been hammered and the possibility that this is one of those blades made of two stamped sheet metal halves cannot be excluded. Both sides of the tan water buffalo horn hilt have been decorated. A band with granulation and braided work likely of silver alloy runs around the blade end of the hilt and another around the center of the grip. One hilt face has been covered with white metal (possibly a silver alloy) with overlays and granulation work around brass rivets; there are mild to moderate dents to the white metal plate towards its edges near the blade. The metal sheet appears to have been plated, with much now rubbed away from high spots. The opposite face features brass wires inserted on end into the horn. The dagger measures 12¼ inches (31.3 cm) in length and weighs 8¼ ounces (235 grams). A more recent well fitting sheath is made of wood covered by tan brown leather. Within the sheath, overall length is 13 inches (33 cm) and weight is 11 ounces (313 grams).


Yemeni Jambiya with "White Metal" Decorated Horn Hilt

Yemeni Jambiya with "White Metal" Decorated Horn Hilt

Yemeni Jambiya with "White Metal" Decorated Horn Hilt

Yemeni Jambiya with "White Metal" Decorated Horn Hilt



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