A Rare Sighting of a Fish

DaveA · Today, 07:02 PM

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.

Today, 07:02 PM	#3
DaveA Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 450	Zoomorphic decoration on jambiya 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.