Dagger (Jambiya) and Sheath
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Steel, wood, silver, horn (rhinoceros)
Dimensions
H. with sheath 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm); H. without sheath 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm); H. of blade 9 in. (22.9 cm); W. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); Wt. 10.4 oz. (294.8 g); Wt. of sheath 6 oz. (170.1 g)
Classification
Daggers
Culture
Moroccan
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.778a, b
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Jambiya dagger and sheath, hailing from 19th-century Morocco, exemplifies the masterful craftsmanship of North African arms and armor.ed from steel for the, with a hilt of wood, silver, and rhinoceros horn, the dagger measures 14¾ inches (37.5 cm) with its sheath and weighs a substantial 10.4 ounces (294.8 g) bare. The curved blade, at 9 inches (22.9 cm), and ornate silver inlays reflect both lethal functionality and decorative artistry, making it a prized possession for warriors or elites. In Moroccan culture, the Jambiya served as more than a weapon—it was a symbol of status,...