Moroccan, c.1900, Ceremonial Bridegroom’s Jambiya Dagger with Ornate Copper and Bone Scabbard

*Moroccan, c.1900, Ceremonial Bridegroom’s Jambiya Dagger with Ornate Copper and Bone Scabbard*

An antique Moroccan ceremonial jambiya dagger, traditionally worn by bridegrooms at weddings and special occasions. The dagger is fitted with a straight steel blade, engraved at the forte with a stylised bird — a motif strongly associated with Yemeni tribal influence.

The hilt is of dark hardwood, mounted with bone grip panels framed by engraved brass and white-metal fittings decorated with sunburst and rosette motifs. The large rounded pommel is capped with further applied floral plates.

The original scabbard is present, of wood clad with engraved copper and bone insets, the surfaces decorated throughout with bold geometric and floral designs, including starbursts, rosettes, and foliate terminals. The reverse seam is overlaid with finely engraved brass strip.

Blade measures approx. :23.5 cm, overall (out of scabbard): 42.7 cm. Overall (in scabbard): 45 cm.

Historical Note:
The jambiya dagger has long been a symbol of status and manhood across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In Morocco, richly decorated examples such as this were traditionally worn by bridegrooms during wedding ceremonies, serving both as an emblem of honour and as a display of wealth. The bird engraving and mixed use of copper, bone, and white-metal inlays indicate cross-cultural influence from Yemeni and wider tribal traditions.

*Condition*
The dagger shows age and ceremonial use, with wear to the blade and areas of corrosion. The grip panels have losses and some looseness to the fittings. The scabbard is missing its terminal cap and shows general wear to the metalwork. Overall, however, it remains complete and highly decorative, with strong engraving and contrasting surfaces intact.

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