Some Jambiyas

Steve · 9th January 2009, 05:46 AM

Gav,
I'm sure members of this forum are more knowledgeable on this than I am. However the hoof handles I have seen have a more glutenous look and feel than the horn. Rhino, of course, has that strong defining fibrous structure.
If you have Tirri's book on African Weapons check figs 2-12 and 2-14. Fig 2-14 gives an actual size, side by side, comparison of rhino horn and giraffe hoof.
Tirri states the difference can be seen in colour and composition. The giraffe horn is a yellow/brown colour. Colour is difficult with rhino horn as I have seen variations from white/pale green, to yellow, to the usual brown and almost black. The two ends of the spectrum are quite rare and highly prized in the arabian area.
Steve

9th January 2009, 05:46 AM	#10
Steve Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 58	Gav, I'm sure members of this forum are more knowledgeable on this than I am. However the hoof handles I have seen have a more glutenous look and feel than the horn. Rhino, of course, has that strong defining fibrous structure. If you have Tirri's book on African Weapons check figs 2-12 and 2-14. Fig 2-14 gives an actual size, side by side, comparison of rhino horn and giraffe hoof. Tirri states the difference can be seen in colour and composition. The giraffe horn is a yellow/brown colour. Colour is difficult with rhino horn as I have seen variations from white/pale green, to yellow, to the usual brown and almost black. The two ends of the spectrum are quite rare and highly prized in the arabian area. Steve