Yataghan (sword)

Culture Turkish

Culture Ottoman

Dateearly 1800s

Mediumcrucible steel, gold false-damascening, silver, and walrus ivory

Dimensions8.9 × 76.8 × 60.6 cm (3 1/2 × 30 1/4 × 23 7/8 in.), 1 lb 12 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.487.1

DescriptionLong, knife-like blade of steel in the classic yataghan form, with an acute knife point. The blade is single-edged, with a ribbed, rounded back. The section is wedge form, and along the sides at the top are a pair of well-defined fullers, one larger than the other; both extend almost completely to the end. The shoulders of the blade, and about 1/8th of the length below, are more or less encased with silver plaques set with lozenges, beads, and filigree. Grip strap covered in silver (or gold?) wire forming raised domes & floral designs. These are further enhanced by prominent rosettes of alternating coiled spirals and hexagonal bosses. Rear side of grip strapping extends down back & sides of blade for approximately 3" forming reinforcing plate with scalloped edge.

At the sides, and forming the pommel, are large plaques of walrus ivory which are riveted through the tang by four, plain iron posts. These plaques are prolonged to form the prominent "ears" of the grip. The blade faces are decorated as well. The obverse has koftgari work of a circular medallion formed in nine (?) segments filled with Arabic script; and on either side of this is a symmetrical treatment of an eight-petaled blossom from which emanates a trilobated swelling with decorated, spear-head terminal.

The back of the blade, below the silver plaque, has a repeated motif of open hearts terminated in a cloud lozenge.

The reverse face has a long rectangular cartouche filled with script, and on either side are radiating palmettes within a framing that is also filled by a maze of thin tendrils having globular swellings. On the above decoration, the ground is left darkened for contrast.
Label TextThe distinctive Ottoman yataghan was developed in the 1500s, but its roots may be much older: the powerful recurved blade recalls ancient Greek swords, and a version of the eared hilt can be found on bronze swords from Iran as early as 1000 BCE The yataghan spread throughout the lands influenced by the Ottoman Empire. Balkan versions generally had smaller ears; Greek versions straighten out the recurved blade. By the 1700s, the Ottomans were starting to imitate European decoration: the ivory-hilted sword has a sheath decorated with scallop shells, scrollwork, and trophies of arms in the European rococo style. The inscription on the blade reads "The work of Ahmad Sahib Muhammad Usta. My trust is in my Creator. Your Servant Muhammad. My Lord, I ask for blessings from you, may this dagger be a blessing upon its owner.”ProvenanceMacIntosh collection (#17); purchased by the Museum in December 1970. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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