The Yemeni Jambiya

Chrystal Dawn · 6th May 2013, 04:45 PM

I have been reading this thread with great interest and in fact, it is the first that has given me any information at all.. so thank you!

My Father just recently acquired a Jambiya, although in doing some research on it for him, I believe it is a Thuma. 1930's or somewhere in there. It does not have the hard J shape, but on the other hand, the scabbard is not made entirely of silver. It looks to be a leather backing of some sort.

It came with the brocade belt and two prayer amulets attached to it.. I am researching those currently..

As I stated, we have just recently came into this, so the markings on the amulets I have just read about and will check them when I again have access to this.

My question though is on the Thuma. Are there certain styles for certain tribal areas? How do you tell what kind of horn the handle is made from. Is it all in the patina? How do you tell what kind of silver is used without destroying the item?

Any further information would be greatly appreciated..

It is a beautiful piece. We just want to know what we have.

Thank you!

6th May 2013, 04:45 PM	#9
Chrystal Dawn Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 1	I have been reading this thread with great interest and in fact, it is the first that has given me any information at all.. so thank you! My Father just recently acquired a Jambiya, although in doing some research on it for him, I believe it is a Thuma. 1930's or somewhere in there. It does not have the hard J shape, but on the other hand, the scabbard is not made entirely of silver. It looks to be a leather backing of some sort. It came with the brocade belt and two prayer amulets attached to it.. I am researching those currently.. As I stated, we have just recently came into this, so the markings on the amulets I have just read about and will check them when I again have access to this. My question though is on the Thuma. Are there certain styles for certain tribal areas? How do you tell what kind of horn the handle is made from. Is it all in the patina? How do you tell what kind of silver is used without destroying the item? Any further information would be greatly appreciated.. It is a beautiful piece. We just want to know what we have. Thank you!