Rings on Yemeni jambiya: what for?

Michael Blalock · 6th May 2014, 06:55 PM

I know that the jambiyas in northern Yemen usually have a strap on the back side of the belt with the sheath often sewn to the strap though they have rings from time to time. The south Yemen Jambiyas shown in your picture are often just tucked into a twisted sash or worn with a thin belt. I would assume that is why they often have rings. In the 60's the British had outlawed the wearing of Jambiyas in the protectorate so I have only seen photos of this style of Jambiya worn. The Saudi and Mecca style are worn outside the belt in most photos that I have seen, even the Wahabbi style.

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6th May 2014, 06:55 PM	#11
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	I know that the jambiyas in northern Yemen usually have a strap on the back side of the belt with the sheath often sewn to the strap though they have rings from time to time. The south Yemen Jambiyas shown in your picture are often just tucked into a twisted sash or worn with a thin belt. I would assume that is why they often have rings. In the 60's the British had outlawed the wearing of Jambiyas in the protectorate so I have only seen photos of this style of Jambiya worn. The Saudi and Mecca style are worn outside the belt in most photos that I have seen, even the Wahabbi style.