Dagger (Katar) with Sheath

Dagger (Katar) with Sheath

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Inlaid in gold on one side is the Prayer to 'Alī, particularly favored by Shiite Muslims: "Call upon 'Alī, the manifester of miracles, you shall find him a help to you in adversities. All care and anxiety will clear away through the light of your greatness. O 'Alī, O 'Alī, O 'Alī." On the other side is a short quote from the sūra of Victory (sūrat al-fatḥ, 48:1), "Surely We have granted thee a clear victory."

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dagger (Katar) with SheathDagger (Katar) with SheathDagger (Katar) with SheathDagger (Katar) with SheathDagger (Katar) with Sheath

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.