Old Tibetan belt knife with ray skin decoration

This Tibetan knife from the 19th or early 20th century is an impressive example of traditional craftsmanship from the Himalayan region. It measures 26 cm with sheath and has a blade 12.5 cm long; the total weight is 255 g.

The handle is made of bone or horn and is finely inlaid, while the scabbard is artfully decorated with engraved white metal. A special detail is the middle zone of manta ray skin, which was extremely rare in Tibet - as rays are only found in distant southern waters, this material was considered exotic and precious. It was usually imported via trade routes from South East Asia or India and was a symbol of wealth and status.

The knife was not primarily used as a weapon, but as a ceremonial and everyday object, often worn as part of the traditional clothing of Tibetan men. The yellow, woven carrying strap completes the authentic appearance.

Provenance: Swiss private collection