Jambiyas market
This market is considered as one of the most famous and important markets at the Old City of Sana'a, because the Jambiya is an important symbol of Yemeni society and associated with masculinity and social status. Itis a precious masterpiece which was produced only by Yemenis since the past. It isan authentic and amazing heritage, whichglory emerges during the holy month of Ramadan, religious events like Eids and other events like weddings. Jambiya'sphysical and technical value depends on the type of material that it and its sheath "Aseeb" are made of. For example, native and rare Jambiyasare those which their blades handles are made of elephant tusks or rhino horns, and embroidered with gold and silver coins. Such Jambiyasareconsidered as an authentic heritage constitutes the identity of the Yemeni people, and form a fortune through their prices that might reach millions of Yemeni riyals.
Jambiya is an important aspect of the deep cultural structure among the history of this authentic country. Yemenis have mastered in Jambiya industry making it full of high technical inscriptions and decorations, which made it a masterpiece of great value, so it became a source of income for many families, and an attraction for visitors and tourists. It consists of the Jambiya's Head (blade's handle) as the most important part on which the Jambiya'svalue depends. Also, there are handles that made of the horns of cows and goats, and sometimes of wood or plasticand acquired by ordinary people.
There are several types of "Aseebs" (sheaths and belts), where sheaths come with different regional and sectarian indications such as the green sheath of Sana'a,white sheath of Marib,the Mosifel which is a white sheath crested with three red Leather pigtails and the Tooza which comes with a silver shield. While belts are including a heritage type called Tazjathat made of silver threads over which hanged a purses made of silver. Most of "Aseebs" manufacturing materials are local and some of them are imported.Thecraftsmen in this market are excelled in the formation art of belts engravings that had previously been made of leather and embroidered with silver, red or yellow threads, while there are belts that embroidered with golden threads and bought only by wealthy people as they are very expensive. Also there are available low cost belts which acquired by ordinary people.