Tattoo of Skean Dubh (knife) a ceremonial dagger part of the Scottish Highland dress kilt tucked in stocking with pommel visible, UK
The sgian dubh may have evolved from the sgian achlais, a dagger that could be concealed under the armpit. Used by the Scots of the 17th and 18th centuries, this knife was slightly larger than the average modern sgian dubh and was carried in the upper sleeve or lining of the body of the jacket. Courtesy and etiquette would demand that when entering the home of a friend, any concealed weapons would be revealed. It follows that the sgian achlais would be removed from its hiding-place and displayed in the stocking top held securely by the garters. The sgian dubh also resembles the small skinning knife that is part of the typical set of hunting knives. These knives usually had antler handles, as do many early sgian dubhs. The larger knife is likely the ancestor of the modern dirk. The sgian dubh can be seen in portraits of kilted men of the mid 1800s.
Size: 3364px × 5046px
Location: Braemar, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland uk
Photo credit: © MediaWorldImages / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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