The history of this tool in the UAE dates back to the 3rd millennium BC, as excavators found a sickle (das) with a serrated edge in the (Al Dour) and (Maleiha) sites. Das is the sickle used to remove weeds and ears of wheat during harvest.
It is used to chop down small trees, branches and twigs and is also used in chopping down alfalfa plants without removing the roots, thereby allowing them to regrow. Furthermore, das is used in harvesting wheat and cutting ears of wheat.
Das consists of a grip made of wood, a body, followed by a slightly curved blade with a sharp and serrated inner edge.
According to one of the narrators, “Das, which we also call majaz, is made of iron. There are two types of das, one of which is used to harvest alfalfa (jatt), while the other is used to chop down the palm tree harvest. This type is a little longer, so that the farmer is not exposed to the thorns of the palm while harvesting. To produce a das, we would get a piece of iron and head to the blacksmith, who would first make the strong wooden grip. People usually preferred the wood of the (Narinj) citrus that was characterized by strength and durability. A blacksmith who does this work can be found in every area.” The blacksmith uses fire to melt the iron, and shape it as required using a hammer and anvil.
