Jambiya Scabbard

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Richard G

Thank you gentlemen, for explaining this. I now get the idea, especially having gone back to some references I should have checked earlier, but:

The King Faisal Centre catalogue (page 56) has a pair of Al-Ahsa daggers described as "Doojaniyan" (meaning a pair?), but with the "chequered" wiring which Mr Alnakkas suggests is SKSA.

Richardson and Dorr (page 451) has a khunjar with a bu Sa'idi hilt but in a scabbard with the radiating diamond pattern, described as Omani.

Elgood's Arms and Armour of Arabia (page 82) shows a "typical Omani khanjar...Ibri(?)" which this thread would probably place in SKSA, particularly as it is on a Yemeni style belt.

Ruth Hawley's photo of a khanjar "probably made in the Sharqiyah" is remarkably similar to Stu's, but with "chequered" wiring and on an Omani style belt.

Also Ruth Hawley, in her narrative says "what can be said, however, is that the the modern geometric design and the diamond pattern so frequently seen on Omani silver probably came from Sanaa...and originated with Jewish silversmiths there. In Oman these designs are found extensively on Nizwa work, Sur and some work from Ibri. ...The most likely provenance of a hirz with geometric designs or applique diamond shapes is Nizwa."

So exceptions, conundrums and misattributions rule the roost! It makes life so much more interesting.
Thank you all very much
Richard

Hi Richard,
As you can see from the references you quote here, identification and origins of different styles are varied depending on who's description you are referring to.
This is also applicable here on the Forum as it must be remembered that opinions expressed here are just that---OPINIONS, and we have all probably used printed matter to arrive at our various decisions.
Those who live in the particular countries where these items originate also are only expressing opinions, as many of the items discussed are a blend of different styles. Concrete identification IMHO can only come from WELL DOCUMENTED SOURCES.
I have the King Faisal book in my library, and as far as the description "DOOJANIYAN" is concerned, I have interpreted it to be the TYPE of Jambiya and not to do with a pair. The King Faisal Center surely must be reasonably well informed as to correct terminology.
Stu

[russel]

Perhaps this is a rather mundane question from a novice, but to satisfy my curiosity: what would be a fair estimate of the age of this scabbard?