Blade gift

[Hombre]

Got this one from a friend... Should really appreciate opinions about it...
I have my thoughts but should like to hear yours...

Best,
Stefan

[werecow]

Not remotely an expert but it looks to me like a Saudi Wahabite jambiya.

[Ian]

I agree.

[Hombre]

Thank you, gentlemen!

Merry Christmas!

Best,
Stefan

[David R]

Also known as a Sabiki, and not really all that much to do with the Wahabi.

[Hombre]

Thank you, David!
Is my blade considered as a tourist blade or...
Just curious!

Best,
Stefan

[Battara]

.....and possibly a little more recent - no patina in the chasing and stamping work........

[Marc M.]

Hi Stefan

Here is mine, almost the same as yours. I agree they are fairly recent and thought they called Dharia.

Best regards
Marc

[Jim McDougall]

So Hombre, since you are asking for our thoughts, why not share yours?
Its discussion, not poker

I have had one of these for years, but have had no further notes other than it is a larger than normal janbiyya form from Hejaz, known as 'sabaki' as noted.
What drew me to this exemplar was that in research on Sir Richard Burton, in his 1853 account " A Pilgrimage to El Medinah and Meccah". In this Royal Geographic sponsored journey, Burton took the great risk of entering these Holy Places disguised as a Pathan Holy Man (not sure of the exact complexity of his identity).
The narrative was published in 1857 , and in this there was a line drawing of one of these, and other sources noted it was a sabaki, the association with Wahhabite followers.
In the photo shown in earlier post, the man and wife are Harb, whom were dominant tribe in Hejaz when Burton journeyed through, particularly surrounding Medina.

As noted, there is no reason this form should be attributed specifically to Wahhabites, as it seems a form that was notably present in Hejaz and to whatever tribes or followings present in those regions.

As I have no specialized knowledge or resources beyond what I have shared here, I'd very much appreciate the observations of those who do on this example.

[Hombre]

"So Hombre, since you are asking for our thoughts, why not share yours?
Its discussion, not poker"

You are correct, Jim! My thoughts are that it is a tourist piece and that it is not very old. Still happy about it because I got it from a friend who knew I was interested in different blades. He has been working in Saudi (IBM) and bought it there... Now when they have grandchildren his wife didn´t want it any longer so...

[Jim McDougall]

Hey Hombre,
Sorry man! In rereading this, that was pretty blunt.
I understand the old adage, 'if nothing nice to say.....etc. ' but I guess I get frustrated if the discussion gets one sided. The 'tourist' kiss of death is always a dread, but must be brought out......then to say, Im hoping to find support otherwise.
To me even 'souvenir' items have certain value for what they are as they represent traditions of a culture, place and time. Thats sort of the way I see mine.
You sound like a collector with a great attitude! Stay the course!

[David R]

I have more pics on file, but they don't add much to the conversation. In use they appear to be held blade up, point forward, which seems a little odd to western eyes, a bit like the classical era "Sica". Apparently they are this size because of the prevalence of "dangerous animals" in the area!

Re the tourist trap, I have seen a comment on one forum that unless an area has an actual tourist or foreign garrison market to cater for what you get is the same item as sold to the locals.

I find a lot of the stuff from this area plain or home made looking, but as I understand it it is a result of poverty, and the flight in the 1950's of their artisan class.

Just thoughts and opinions, rather than expertise, from an old collector and haunter of the internet..