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 shoulder 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. Similar decoration is found on the straps which encircle the hilt axis. These are further enhanced by prominent rosettes of alternating coiled spirals and hexagonal bosses.

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.

Single-edge blade curving towards cutting edge with 2 fullers at back edge. Back edge chiseled with 2 panels running length of blade with central rib. Gold koft-gari calligraphy on center of both blade faces. Hilt of walrus ivory, of large "eared" shape. Grip strap covered in gold wire forming raised domes & floral designs. Underside of grip strapping similarly treated, extending down back & sides of blade for approximately 3" forming reinforcing plate with scalloped edge.
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 from as early as 1000 B.C.E. 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 of this weapon reads "Made by Akhmed, friend of Muhammed, who put his trust in God, the Creator of his servant Muhammed. Please God, be of help and give blessing to the owner of this, and make the tip of it blessed." ProvenanceMacIntosh collection (#17); purchased by the Museum in December 1970. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

On View

Not on view

Collections