Traditionally in the Islamic world, beautifully crafted weapons are greatly appreciated. Daggers are an important part of a man’s dress, and the beauty of the weapon is an indication of status. Weapons of various sorts are often inscribed with Qur’anic verses for protective reasons or to ensure military success. The blade of this Malay sword is inlaid with silver inscriptions from the Qur’anic chapter, ‘Al-Fath’ (The Victory). Not all inscriptions on the blade can be read as they are written in pseudo-calligraphy. However, they are meant to have the same protective purposes.
