A jambiya, also spelled janbiya, jambya, jambia and janbia ( janbīyyah), also known as a shibriyeh ( shibriyyah) in the Levant, is a specific type of dagger with a short curved blade with a medial ridge that originated from the Hadhramaut region of Yemen. They have spread to other countries in the Middle East, to other countries in the Arab world (Somalia), and to parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Men typically above the age of 14 wear it as an accessory to their clothing. Types The jambiya were taken by travelers to other cultures including the Ottoman Empire, Persia and India, where they were adopted with slight differences to the blade, hilt and scabbard. Hilt or handle A significant part of a jambiya is its hilt (handle). The saifani hilt is made of rhinoceros horn, which can cost up to $1500 per kilogram. It is used on the daggers of wealthier citizens. Different versions of saifani hilts can be distinguished by their colour. Other janbiya hilts are made of a different types of horn, wood, metal and ivory from elephants and walrus. Apart from the material used for the hilt, the design and detail is a measure of its value and the status of its owner. Blade, sheath and belt The double edged blade of the jambiya is constructed of steel which in some cases is damascus or wootz steel. The blade is stored in a sheath known as 'Asib (), usually made of wood covered with metal, leather or cloth. The sheath can be decorated with various ornaments that signify status. These include silver work, semi-precious stones, and leather. The sheath can be fixed to a leather belt, which is normally 2–3 inches wide. The belt is usually worn around the lower abdomen. There are often other items attached to this belt, such as a silver purse for containing money and change. Sometimes, Jambiyas are made from shrapnel left over from missiles in a war. Use Despite the cultural significance of the jambiya, it is still a weapon. Although people have used it in times of dispute, there are societal norms that must be followed in order to avoid defamation. The jambiya should only come out of its sheath in extreme cases of conflict. It is also commonly used in traditional events, such as dances. Like with some other curved knives, as the blade bends towards the