Tunisian Bichaq
Bizerte, French Tunisia (Tunisia)
Late 19th century (1880 - 1900)
Steel, brass, horn, coral, bone, leather, wood
Blade: 19,1cm
Hilt & Blade: 31,1cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 33cm
Collection Date: 2023
Collection Number: 320

An ornate North African knife associated with the ancient port city of Bizerte, Tunisia. Centuries of trade within the realm of the Mediterranean has led to cross-cultural influences of arms such as this example between Europe and North Africa.

The hilt is reminiscent of Ottoman Balkan knives, especially Bosnian bichaqs, both in shape and decoration. The hilt is carved horn inlayed with brass circle-dot decoration and brass nails. Red coral is adorned with two circular areas of bone encircling the coral. The spine is inlaid in zig-zag brass wire. Brass ferrule and S-shaped crossguard in European manner. The steel blade is single- edged, upcurving with geometric, floral, and star engravings of Maghreb decoration. A central section of the blade is cutout. Linear engravings on the brass ricasso, cross guard, and ferrule. There is usually a small decorated silver or brass pommel cap that covers the tang, of which is now missing on this example.

The sheath is a wood base, covered by a brownish-red leather mid-section, capped with a brass locket and chape. Very few inlays are missing, and complete with its sheath.

Bizerte was the last held city of French Tunisia due to its strategic port location and gained independence from France in 1963. This knife is probably dated in the late 19th century and was likely an early bazaar article for French tourists, though a very well- made one. Similar pieces are dated between 1860 and 1880.

[1] http://oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5845

[2] http://oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=7330

[3] http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20240&highlight=bizerte

[4] http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13429&highlight=translation