Dagger, Yemen Length of the blade 21 cm Length of the handle 15 cm For many cultures and societies across the globe, arms and armour played an important role off the battlefield, particularly as markers of social status, military rank, courage, and wealth. In Yemen, this tradition continues to prevail with a dagger known as the jambiya or janbīyyah (Arabic: جنبية), which is derived from the Arabic word for ‘side’. On a larger scale, the weapon embodies centuries of tribalism and honour; on a smaller scale, it represents manhood, social prestige, and family identity. So impactful is the jambiya on Yemeni culture that its presence echoed throughout regions of the Islamic world, from Morocco to India, inspiring regional versions of the weapon. Late 19th / early 20th This old jambiya has ad ouble-edged steel blade tapering and curved sharply to point. Pronounced medial ridge on both faces. Inserted in grip which is covered with leather and fine silver filagree with silver bosses. I acquired it from my late friend Alan Donovan (1938, Great Plains, Colorado - 2021, Nairobi, Kenya).