Zebun, a part of Lawrence’s Arab attire

LONDON: For students of history — especially those with an interest in the modern Middle East — it is recognised that British adventurer, spy and military man T.E. Lawrence had an important role to play in the Arab revolts that ended Ottoman rule in the region.

Film buffs, on the other hand, will recall the performance of Peter O’Toole as the title character in 1962’s Lawrence of Arabia.

Bridging the gap between fact and fiction slightly, the London-based auction house Christie’s is putting up for auction, on July 15, some of T.E. Lawrence’s personal belongings — a magnificent dagger as well as Arab clothing the British spy once sported.

The first item is an exquisite silver-gilt mounted Jambiya (dagger). According to a press release by Christie’s, the weapon was presented to Lawrence by one Sherif Nasir at Aqaba (now part of Jordan), said to be a cousin of Feisal, who would later be crowned king of Iraq and Syria (very briefly).

Lawrence reportedly owned three such blades throughout his life and was known to sport the dagger, along with Arab attire, during his time in the Middle East.

Silver-gilt mounted Arab Jambiya (dagger).

The type of dagger is still considered an essential part of ceremonial dress amongst the Arabs, especially in Yemen and Oman. The dagger --- richly ornate and weighty both in physicality and historical significance --- represents the last of Lawrence’s Arabian daggers known to survive in private hands. For auction the price estimate has been put at 60,000-90,000 British pounds.

The second set of items up for auction features Arab robes owned by Lawrence, specifically a waistcoat and a garment known as zebun. Lawrence has been quoted as saying that “if you wear Arab things, wear the best ... dress like a Sherif”.

Dress like a Sherif he did, as numerous historical photographs depict the enigmatic Englishman in flowing Arabian robes, blending in with his surroundings in the deserts of Arabia and Transjordan. The garments are made of champagne silk with white cotton lining and brocade button trims. Auction estimate: 10,000-15,000 British pounds.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2015

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