Accession Number
2010/2.8

Title
Brass Knife with Sheath

Artist(s)
Moroccan

Artist Nationality
Moroccan

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
Brass, silver, wool, and wood

Dimensions
15 3/8 in x 3 15/16 in x 1 in (39.05 cm x 10 cm x 2.54 cm);15 3/8 in x 3 15/16 in x 1 in (39.05 cm x 10 cm x 2.54 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Denise Miner Stanford

Subject matter
Though the koummya was made in southern Morocco, this and similar daggers form a common part of the attire for men across many parts of North Africa. Daggers are worn on belts around the stomach or slung over the shoulder by means of a baldric. The koummya is worn on the left side, with the baldric slung over the right shoulder.

Reference:
Spring, Christopher. African Arms and Armour. London, UK: British Museum Press, 1993.
 

Physical Description
This dagger has a metal blade and an elaborately decorated handle. At the end of the handle is a “peacock tail” pommel. Accompanying the dagger is a silver sheath with a tasseled, black woolen baldric. 

Primary Object Classification
Metalwork

Primary Object Type
knife

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
brasswork (visual works)
knife weapons
sheaths (cases)