A Yemeni curved dagger, called ‘Jambiya’. It has a curved, double-edged blade and a central ridge (slightly spotted with rust). The hilt and the sheath of the dagger are set in elaborately crafted, very high quality silver. The silver is cast in parts with decorative, floral and geometric motifs, chased, features openwork and is engraved or composed from soldered silver wire. As is the large pommel in the shape of a double cone (partly cast and engraved). The reverse side of the dagger displays old, brown leather. The ‘silver Jambiya’ is mounted onto a typical Yemeni belt. The belt is made of fabric and displays silver coloured embroidery, underlaid with red and green pieces of fabric, as well as purple velvet on both ends. Four objects are attached to the belt. A kohl bottle with a lid and pencil, for black kohl eye make-up. A small metal bag with a pin fastening (for money etc.) as well as two round amulets. However, the aforementioned four objects are not made of silver, but rather from a weak alloy. The belt itself is without doubt of a younger age than the visibly old ‘Jambiya’, that was perhaps mounted onto the belt at a later date. The silver hilt of the curved dagger displays a dent above. Otherwise there are no damages on the whole object.
Height: 31 cm (the ‘silver Jambiya’); length: 108 cm (the belt).
First third of the 20th century. (ME)