Jambiya

The image showcases a traditional Jambiya dagger laid out on a marble surface. The dagger has a distinctively curved blade, characteristic of a Jambiya, and it is accompanied by a sheath that mirrors its curvature. Both the dagger and the sheath exhibit ornate metalwork detailing; the hilt and the sheath feature engraved patterns with a dark inlay that enhances the motifs. The metal components appear to have an aged patina, suggesting either historical value or frequent usage. The craftsmanship emphasizes ethnic and regional artistic styles, often associated with Middle Eastern or North African cultures, where such daggers are not just weapons but also carry cultural significance. The entire piece exudes an aura of both antiquity and artistry, emblematic of traditional weaponry craftsmanship.

The image showcases a traditional Jambiya dagger laid out on a marble surface. The dagger has a distinctively curved blade, characteristic of a Jambiya, and it is accompanied by a sheath that mirrors its curvature. Both the dagger and the sheath exhibit ornate metalwork detailing; the hilt and the sheath feature engraved patterns with a dark inlay that enhances the motifs. The metal components appear to have an aged patina, suggesting either historical value or frequent usage. The craftsmanship emphasizes ethnic and regional artistic styles, often associated with Middle Eastern or North African cultures, where such daggers are not just weapons but also carry cultural significance. The entire piece exudes an aura of both antiquity and artistry, emblematic of traditional weaponry craftsmanship.

Name/Title

Jambiya

Entry/Object ID

71; Full Code: 71.30.28-DG-NB

Tags

Dagger, Silver work

Description

This artifact is a Modern Forged Jambiya, produced in 2010. It represents an elite tier of contemporary Indo-Arabian weaponry, distinguished by its comprehensive silver work and pattern-welded steel blade. The piece documents a high-status "process" of ornamentation, where the entire steel surface of the hilt and scabbard serves as a canvas for intricate silver damascening. Core Components & Engineering The Blade (Pattern-Welded with Silver Inlay): A broad, double-edged blade featuring a prominent central structural rib. Surface Pattern: The steel exhibits a dense "watered" pattern from repetitive folding, ensuring a balance between edge hardness and core ductility. Ricasso Detail: The base of the blade is decorated with a silver floral medallion, ensuring a seamless aesthetic transition from the steel blade to the silvered hilt. The Hilt (Full Silver-Inlaid Steel): An all-steel hilt utilizing the classic "I-frame" geometry, entirely covered in silver work. Silver Koftgari: The silver is applied using a traditional damascening process, where the steel surface is cross-hatched and silver wire or foil is burnished into the metal. The motifs consist of rhythmic circular medallions and dense floral arabesques. Ergonomic Stops: The flared pommel and guard are finished with silvered scalloping, providing a high-friction mechanical stop that ensures the hand remains locked in a fixed orientation during use. The Scabbard (Silver-Inlaid Steel Architecture): A wooden-core scabbard entirely encased in steel and finished with matching silver work. Visual Continuity: The scabbard repeats the circular medallion motif found on the hilt. The use of silver across the entire "peace" (hilt and scabbard) signifies a high administrative status and personal investment in the artifact's curation.

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Silver Stone of Udaipur

Date made

circa 2010

Place

City

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Ethnography

Cultural Region

City

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Dimensions

Dimension Description

24”

Length

18 in

Material

Damascus

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

Purchase