Arms & Armour Gallery

There are two major categories of Islamic arms: firearms and edged weapons. The greatest advance in metalworking was the development of watered steel, associated with Damascus and used throughout the Islamic world.

Flexible and yet able to take the sharpest edge, it was ideal for the highest-quality swords, daggers, axes, maces and spears. There is a wide variety of regional weapon types. The most easily recognisable of these are short, curved daggers and long, curved scimitars.

With the arrival of firearms, aesthetics remained a priority and the imagination of the Islamic gunsmith soared. Rifles and pistols were ornamented in spectacular fashion. Typical decoration would include inlays of gold, silver, ivory or mother-of-pearl on the lock, stock and barrel.

Islamic armour has always been noted for its lightness and flexibility. The most typical example is chain mail, often combined with steel plates. Equally characteristic are the pointed helmets which incorporated horns or the faces of ferocious animals. Islamic warriors favoured armour that matched their weapons for decorative effect. This might feature gilding, inlay, damascening or being set with gems.