A Rare Sighting of a Fish

[David]

Originally Posted by Michael Blalock

I have never seen an anthropomorphic image on an Arabian edged weapon before and wanted to share this with you.

I believe the word you were seeking is "zoomorphic".
"Anthropomorphic" means "ascribing of human personality, appearance, conduct, cognition, or other attributes to non-human entities, often including non-human animals." Mikey Mouse, for instance, would be considered "anthropomorphic". This is just an animal design.

[Richard G]

Could it in any sense be interpreted as a jambiya made for a christian?
Best wishes
Richard

[Michael Blalock]

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.