Very Fine Silver Assib Jambiya from the Tihama, Yemen

The richness and variety of Yemenite Jambiya sometimes complicate accurate identification. Influence of styles and decoration technique from Saudi Arabia in the north and Oman in the east makes it more difficult.

Yemenite Jambiya are grouped in several styles, mainly depending on the social level of the owner.  The style known as Assib is usually worn by lower class tribal people. It is found all over Yemen with big variety of material and decoration styles.

The Assib offered here is most probably coming from the Tihama on the eastern coast of the red sea. It is a whole silver exemplar that show clear influence from the Saudi Mecca style Jambiya. Classical top quality double edge curved blade with a pronounced central rib.  R horn silver handle set with good quality silver filigree mounts. Deeply curved scabbard with large Thum style tip.

Wide blade 8 inches (20 cm) long 2 ¼ inches (6 cm) wide. Total length 14 ½ inches (37 cm). Very good plus condition. Mid 20C.