Name/Title
Khodmi Knife and ScabbardEntry/Object ID
1993.01.01Description
Straight narrow single-edged blade with cruciform hilt. One side of blade is intricately etched with repeating patterns of stars, dots, dashes, and curved lines. Some rows of dots have a reddish inlay in the metal. The scabbard is wooden with repeating carved patterns of concentric circles (perfect - likely used compass) and three straight lines. There seems to be indication that the two pieces of wood were once held together by narrow bands of wrapped wire, now gone. The blade itself is decorated on one side with a variety of iconography including stars, dots (some with a red clayish inlay), dashes, and curved lines. It is single-edged. The wooden handle is cruciform with more carved concentric circles and lines, and there's wire wrapped around its base and tip. Holes below the tip and the quillions indicate that there was once a knuckle guard, now absent.
It is based on an authentic knife and art style from Northern Africa (the Maghreb), although this particular piece is much longer, far more decorated, and less sturdy than utilitarian knives. Many knives were made for tourists in the 20th century with abundant decoration and no need for utility.Acquisition
Accession
1993.01Source or Donor
Dencil de Board, Edna de Board