A Saudia-Yemeni Sword.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by AhmedH

Salaam! Dear Ibrahim,

The hilt and the grooving style of these swords reveal their Arab origin. Do you have any idea which century do they date?

BTW, I'm new to the forum. My specialization is in Arab and non-Arab swords dating from 550 to 1300 CE. I must admit that -after reading some of your discussion threads- that you're quite informant in Omani, other Arab, North African, and East African swords.

Again, have you any idea which century do these swords return to?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Salaams AhmedH ~ Welcome to the Forum. I think I have a good grasp of Omani Swords whilst there are many others on Forum that have excellent knowledge of other Arab, North African, and East African swords etc..

On the subject of the swords you indicate they do pose a few questions as to their origin though I know they emanate from Ethiopia where it is likely they had hilts of Rhino which when sold to Yemeni souks were removed and put onto Jambia...The blades then got tooled up in backyard workshops (rather crudely) and were sold on...either to tourists in Sanaa (plus souks in Saudia) and onward consignments were purchased by Omani dealers from Salalah and Mutrah Souk (shop owners etc etc). Most blades are traceable to European manufacture mainly Germany which flooded Africa with blades in the 19th C. I have seen a variety of hilts including long Omani Sayf and Indian Tulvar hilts adorning these blades; mainly fixed by Souk owners in their own or local workshops. I put these generally in the late 19th C category and I know they were transferred to Oman this year...and as the Yemen situation continues to deteriorate I am certain we shall see more.

Thank you for your post.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.