Janbiya with brass sheath

This curved dagger is a janbiya of Arabic origin. A janbiya - also known as a khanjar in Oman - is a customary accessory worn by Arab men.  Janbiya is the term used in Arabic for this specific kind of curved blade, deriving from the Arabic root for an item worn on the right side. They are typically recieved by older boys to mark the transition between childhood and manhood, and is also a popular gift for grooms on their wedding day. It forms an integral part of traditional dress in Arabic states.   Jambiya's hold high symbolic meaning, and it is very rare that they ever come out of their sheath, doing so in only extreme situations or in ceremonial instances.    The janbiya has a balustrade-shaped hilt with flat faceted pommel covered in chiselled brass. The sheath is decorated in a similar foliate scrolling design.