Fine Silver Mounted Moroccan Koumaya Dagger

The Moroccan version of the eastern curved dagger is known as Koumaya. It was used both by the Berber and Arab people in Morocco. It is characterized by a slender blade, usually dual edged at its lower half and single edge at the top (A strong Spanish influence). There is a big variety in the decoration styles and quality of the handles and scabbards.

This fine example is from the first half of the 20th C. Classical shape. Wood handle with silver pommel cap in the style known as “peacock tail” and silver collar. A green and yellow enameled button is attached to the grip. Faceted silver scabbard chased at the top. Both the scabbard and the handle mount are proof marked for the silver, a mark adopted by Morocco in 1925 (See below)

Blade 9 inches (23 cm).Total length 16 inches (40 cm). Next to perfect condition. First half of the 20 C. from Marrakech.

For a similar Koumaya with the same silver proof mark see: Eric Claude “A small Catalog of Moroccan and Algerian Edged Weapons” page 18-19.