Shibriya
Shibriya
Bedouin
Kingdom of Jordan
Mid- 20th century (ca. 1940 - 1960)
Steel, brass, glass, plastic, wood
Blade: 14,3cm
Hilt & Blade: 24,8cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 26cm
Collection Date: 2016
Collection Number: 78
Ex. American Art Market (2016)
The shibriya knife of the Arab populations in the Levant and Sinai, a symbol of the Bedoiun tribesman. This example is in the traditional form from Jordan, mid- 20th century.
The steel blade is double- edged with a slightly raised medial ridge, recurving approximately half length tapering to a very sharp acute point. The hilt is composed of white metal alloy embossed with geometric designs and silver filigree wire. A brass band with brass bound wire holds a blue plastic stone in place around the central grip. A small brass plaque also adorns the tri-flared pommel. On the reverse side is the Arabic signature engraved, "Arar Behjat Ahmed," possibly of the owner or maker.
The sheath is consistent with the hilt with white metal alloy and embossed geometric motifs. Decorated in brass filigree and wire. Colored glass and plastic stones are set on the front side. Attached to the sheath are three suspension rings, the fourth one now missing. A traditional quality shibriya from the Bedouin craftsmen.
[1] https://oriental-arms.com/product/early-enameled-silver-shibriya/
[2] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4609