Syrian Khanjar
French Mandate of Syria (Syria)
Early 20th century (ca. 1920 - 1930)
Iron, horn (goat), bone (goat), brass, colored inserts (dyed bone, plastic?), nacre
Blade: 12,1cm
Hilt & Blade: 22,9cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 24,1cm
Collection Date: 2021
Collection Number: 434

A khanjar from Syria during the beginning years of the French Mandate period. Syrian knives are known for their intricate and beautiful mosaic inlays. This example has a flat and curved double- edged iron blade with silver overlay in immitation of fullers. The hilt is carved from segments of layered goat horn and bone ending with a brass pommel. Decorated with circular colored inserts of either dyed bone or plastic, brass, and nacre inlay. Iron ferrule with niello silver overlay design. The sheath is a wood base covered by an iron sheet also decorated with finely overlayed traditional Syrian motifs. Missing suspension rings and one brass circular inlay.