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Sword once belonging to the pirate and ruler, Rahmah bin Jaber
© National Museum of Qatar
19th century
Object Name: Sword and scabbard
Period: 19th century
Date: 1809 - 1826
Provenance: Arabia
Dimensions: Sword: 90.5cm x 19.5cm x 2.5cm; Sheath: 84cm x 12.5cm x 2.3cm \xa0
Medium: lether,steel,ivory
Registration Number: QNM.2014.804.2
Place Of Discovery/Findspot:  Qatar
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This sword, known as ‘Kahluhu’, has a blackened steel blade. On the wider end of the blade near the handle is a maker’s mark rendered in gold inlay. The ivory grip of the handle is secured to the blade with wrappings of silver wire. The guard (cross section between the blade and the grip), pommel (top part of the handle) and attached chain are white metal, probably a silver-copper alloy.

The wood scabbard is covered with black leather and banded with a decorative gilt metal strap with a triangular-shaped attachment. The chape (metal mounting) appears to be gilt metal.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT QATAR
Rahmah bin Jaber bin Adhbi Al Jalahima was a fearless pirate and ruler known for his courage and intelligence. Born to the Al Utub tribe in Al Quarin (Kuwait) in 1757, his father moved the family to Al Zubarah in Qatar in 1760. As a young man, Rahmah led his people to Ruwais following a disagreement with Al Khalifa when they took Bahrain. Later, Rahmah established his headquarters at Khor Hassan in northern Qatar.

Rahmah would forge alliances with different powers to best suit his interests. In 1809, he allied with the First Saudi State and became ruler of Dammam, supporting the Saudis in the Battle of Khkekrah against Bahrain. When the First Saudi State weakened, he allied with the Imam of Muscat, and later with the rulers of Persia. Rahmah maintained diplomatic relations with the British authorities in the Gulf but refused to sign treaties with them. Rahmah was killed in 1826, aged 69, when his ship exploded in a battle against Al Khalifa.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
The Emergence Of Qatar By Rahman, 2005, London The Holy Sail By Abdulaziz Al-Mahmoud
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Gallery 8