A Fine Koummya
A Fine Koummya
Arab / Berber
Marrakech, Kingdom of Morocco
Dated 1294 (1877/78)
Steel, rhinoceros horn, silver, wood, cotton
Blade: 22,9cm
Hilt & Blade: 37,1cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 39,4cm
Collection Date: 2024
Collection Number: 435
A fine koummya dagger from the former Imperial City of Marrakech in Western Morocco. It is both stamped and dated. The single-edged upcurving steel blade has a medial ridge originating from the ricasso. There is a false edge present on the opposite side for almost half of the blade's length toward the point. Large rhinoceros horn hilt carved in non-traditional shape, reminiscent of the pommel on sh'bula straight blade variant knives. The collar, chiseled in fine Arabesque scrolls and stamped, "Marrakech 1294" Hijri, which corresponds to 1877/78 Gregorian. The original red cotton bladric is tied around the hilt. The pommel ends in a silver rosace pommel cap.
The heavy silver sheath is also finely chiseled in Arabesque motifs, florals, and scrolls with two silver baldric suspension rings. Both sides of the sheath collar is hallmark stamped, "Marrakech" and with the date "1294".
An early and stunning work of art by Moroccan smiths for an owner of high social status. Complete with no damage with an uncommon variation shaped hilt of rhino. Medium to high grade finely chiseled silver sheath.
Claude, Eric. 2020. “The Small Catalog of Moroccan and Algerian Edged Weapons”. Pages 48 – 49, (52, 56 stamp marking)