Indian Kutch Jambiya

The ‘Jambiya’ is a traditional sidearm found within the Islamic world. The typical features of the ‘Jambiya’ are a J-shaped blade with rounded medial ridge and T-shaped hilt, often lavishly covered in silver, horn and gold. Most examples originate from Arabic countries like Yemen, Oman and Persia, but the Arab traders and mercenaries who were stationed in India introduced the ‘Jambiya’ in the local culture. Our example listed here is a classic example of Islamic basic features, decorated in a typical West-Indian manner, called ‘tombaque’ which has a base of chiseled and engraved gilded copper.

The hilt is of slender form and T-shaped with a rich chiseled decor of floral motives and leafs. The center of the hilt has a round bolster to provide grip and is dito chiseled with flower petals. The hilt was traditionally attached to the blade with a strong resin. The blade is classically J-shaped with a pronounced medial ridge and double edge. The blade has a distinguished curve and has its original mirror-polish finish.

The scabbard is made in the same manner, made of two wooden slabs held together with a gilded copper cover. The sides have three knuckles on each side to attach the dagger to one’s waist. The front of the scabbard shows a lavish decoration of fine chiseled floral motives, kept in a cartouche and with a rather uncommon feature; two parakeets facing back to back. The back of the scabbard mimics fish-scales. The tip of the scabbard has an attached ‘thum’ representing a rich bouquet of flowers.