North Africa, Morocco to Algeria, Amazigh / Tuareg Berber culture, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A hand-made steel khanjar (koummya) dagger and sheath, made from brass and 84% silver. The steel blade is attached to a wood hilt that is inlaid with silver and brass panels. The sheath has brass covering one side and silver on the other. While functional, ornate knives like this were also part of ceremonial or formal dress and were proudly worn as decorative pieces and given as gifts. Dagger making is an integral part of Moroccan and Berber culture, and the designs are a blend of Roman, Islamic, and Jewish cultures that all influenced the region for centuries. Size in sheath: 15" L x 3.75" W (38.1 cm x 9.5 cm); blade: 8.5" L x 1" W (21.6 cm x 2.5 cm); silver quality: 84%

Provenance: private New Haven, Connecticut, USA collection

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#176225

Old repair with resin to pressure fissure on wood handle. Chips and rubbing to silver repousse sheath and old repairs to brass side. Minor nicks and wear to blade. Rubbing softening of brass and silver inlays on handle. Areas of dark patina and toning, nice signs of age and use.