‘Ordinary’ men in Yemen carry their ‘Jambiya’ curved dagger vertically in the girdle, in front of the belly. Only the ‘Saidi’, a high aristocratic stratum of society, tracing their roots to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, bear their ‘Jambiya’ sideways in the girdle, as a visual sign of distinction. The present curved dagger is thus a rare ‘Jambiya’ of a noble ‘Saidi’. Diagonally laid out and sewn into the old embroidered fabric belt. The 'Jambiya' itself is of the Jemenite highlands type, with a wide blade slightly curving at the tip and bearing a ridge in the middle. The hilt is made of rhinoceros horn decorated with metal pins and two coin-like chased brass discs. Expert silversmith work using highest-grade silver covers the front side of the wooden sheath with spirals, curlicues, rhombs, small spheres etc. While the leather-clad back side attaches (diagonally — in accordance with ‘Saidi’ custom) to a wide belt, which in turn is embroidered with red, blue and gold thread. An unusual and rare piece with age-related damage, especially at the belt, which has been rubbed off with the time. L: 31 cm (dagger only), 35 cm (dagger in sheath), 97 cm (belt). 19th century. (ME) ASA