Jambiyas (and khanjars) the Fading Costume and Us the Collectors

[A.alnakkas]

Hello guys,

So, I always had a passion for Arabian jambiyas and khanjars. The more I collect them, the more they matter to me more then swords. I love the heritage behind them and those little unique features done on them by their past owners who at one day wore them with pride.

But readig through articles, it shows that the art and costume is declining (atleast in Yemen) this is very sad news but inevitable. The value of the jambiya as you all may know is tied to the hilt, most especially rhino and with the laws now protecting rhino, the art became a turn off for the younger generation who cannot afford the rhino hilted ones. I believe the decline will continue until it will become a dead costume in Yemen. I hope they change their mind and find a lovable alternative to rhino but I dont have high hopes.

But in case the costume truly fades, we the collector community will become the protectors of this heritage. So I hope that all those who share my passion for those daggers safe guard their pieces and do their best not to give them up (unless for me ) and share them if possible so that it may not be forgotten.

[Lew]

I read an article where the art of the jambiya belt is becoming a lost art. They are being replaced by machine made ones from China. That all so goes for the jambiya hilts that are plastic also made in China. This due to the collapsing economy in Yemen and high unemployment rate.

[kahnjar1]

Sadly these old Khanjars/Jambiyas are also being "modernised" by some, and they then become IMHO nothing more than modern replicas of the original. This may be "culture based" but from the purist collector's point of view this is destruction at its highest level.

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Sadly these old Khanjars/Jambiyas are also being "modernised" by some, and they then become IMHO nothing more than modern replicas of the original. This may be "culture based" but from the purist collector's point of view this is destruction at its highest level.

Yep that surely is destructive and I wonder how many old examples with odd unique features were destroyed. Its hard to define what should be allowed and what shouldnt but its shame anyways.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams ~ http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14878

Please see the thread on Omani Khanjars. It might help.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams ~ I find it unbelievable that some collectors are still utterly in the dark regarding Omani Khanjars and Yemeni Jambias regarding their useage and understanding of the heritage as viewed by the people here... therefor I advise the viewing of The Omani Khanjar where I have added a post to re cover this important aspect.

The problem is not with local people upgrading/fixing their jambiyas and khanjars. That is part of the dagger wearing culture within the gulf its something that I want to live on. The problem is with that of old items deliberately changed or 'upgraded' to be sold for tourists or outsiders in general :-)

I personally want to upgrade one of my dress khanjars into a rhino hilt and to get a proper belt for it but granted its new and even the rhino is new :P

Anyways Ibrahim, as our man in the field of Omani Khanjars, is there any signs of decline? I know that the younger generation in all societies tend to be the ones who rebel against older costumes.. but would be interested in reading what you think of the situation there.

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams ~ http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14878

Please see the thread on Omani Khanjars. It might help.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Yep, its a well written view on the subject.

You have PM btw.