A Rare Sighting of a Fish

[Michael Blalock]

Hello all, I have attached several photos of a Jambiya that our family acquired in Yemen in 1964.

I have never seen an anthropomorphic image on an Arabian edged weapon before and wanted to share this with you. I think the Arabic script is beginning of the Shahada.

[Patterson25]

I think it is zoomorphic...
You have many examples on this forum with jambiya's blades decorated this way.

[DaveA]

A theory, for which I have some references.

Is the tuza (portion where you see the fish) silver? In Yemen, work with silver and jewelry was restricted almost exclusively to Jewish craftsman in the period before 1949. They, but not the Muslim smiths, were permitted to render animals in decorative motif on the jambiya. It was also a way for the owner to demonstrate prestige, as work by Jewish silversmiths was highly valued. In Yemen, excellent silver smithery is still praised by the phrase "ami yuhudi" (Jewish work).

Dave A.

[Edster]

There appears to be some stylized calligraphy below the fish's mouth and at the base. These may add some dimension to the narrative.

Best,
Ed

[David]

Originally Posted by Michael Blalock

I have never seen an anthropomorphic image on an Arabian edged weapon before and wanted to share this with you.

I believe the word you were seeking is "zoomorphic".
"Anthropomorphic" means "ascribing of human personality, appearance, conduct, cognition, or other attributes to non-human entities, often including non-human animals." Mikey Mouse, for instance, would be considered "anthropomorphic". This is just an animal design.