Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The janbiya, also spelled janbia, jambiya, and jambia (Arabic: جنبية janbīyah), is the Arabic term for dagger, but it is generally used to describe a specific type of dagger with a short curved blade. The term janbiya is used in various Arab countries and India, it is closely associated with the people of Yemen and is prevalent among Muslim men in the Horn of Africa (primarily the Afars of Djibouti). The Moroccan version of the Arab Jambiya dagger is locally called Koumaya and characterized by a slender blade, usually dual edged at its lower half by the hilt and single edge near the tip. There is a big variety in the decoration styles and quality of the handles and scabbards.
We feel this example dates to about 1880 and is of high quality, measuring 15 inches in length. This traditional Jambiya dagger has an old double edged 9 inch long curved blade that definitely shows wear from use, as well as some light oxidation. The hilt is SILVER mounted wood with a lot of embossed designs, and has its plaited rope style wrap. The solid Silver wood lined Scabbard is heavy and also fully embossed with intricate angular decorations, and still retains its plaited rope type waist belt.
In very nice condition and fully cleaned to its best display condition, already about 140 years old.
