Jambiya/Telek

Battara · 28th May 2006, 07:18 PM

Tim has a point (like the one on my head

) in that this is an archetypal symbol, the 4 directions. In many cases, it symbolizes the whole of the world/universe/existence.

However, in these cases I wonder how much of the Wahabi movement of the 1800s had influenced this style of hilt, or a common motif had influenced both the Wahabi and the telek carrying peoples.

TVV · 28th May 2006, 09:10 PM

I believe this particular type of hilt was associated with wahhabi jambiyas from the early 20th century, and it is attributed to the tribes Bani Malik and Bani Shahr. There are other styles, and I have posted the hilt on an example from my collection and a much finer example from Oriental Arms' archive for comparison.

I personally fail to see any connection between the Cross of Agadez and this particular style of pommel on early 20th century Wahhabi jambiyas. I think what appears to be a cross-shaped pommel is not a cross at all, simply a development of the older triangular pommell with decorative hollow spheres attached at the three angles.
Just my $ 0.02.
Teodor

28th May 2006, 07:18 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,310	Tim has a point (like the one on my head ) in that this is an archetypal symbol, the 4 directions. In many cases, it symbolizes the whole of the world/universe/existence. However, in these cases I wonder how much of the Wahabi movement of the 1800s had influenced this style of hilt, or a common motif had influenced both the Wahabi and the telek carrying peoples.

28th May 2006, 09:10 PM	#2
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,666	I believe this particular type of hilt was associated with wahhabi jambiyas from the early 20th century, and it is attributed to the tribes Bani Malik and Bani Shahr. There are other styles, and I have posted the hilt on an example from my collection and a much finer example from Oriental Arms' archive for comparison. I personally fail to see any connection between the Cross of Agadez and this particular style of pommel on early 20th century Wahhabi jambiyas. I think what appears to be a cross-shaped pommel is not a cross at all, simply a development of the older triangular pommell with decorative hollow spheres attached at the three angles. Just my $ 0.02. Teodor