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Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi
Salaams All, Note to Library.
It is extraordinary but only about a handful of antique sketches seem to exist showing Omani militia with weapons and equipment. Amongst the kit is the Dynastic straight dancing sword. Even European military Officers today carry swords on parade to do something very similar for VIPs and Royalty (there is even a special Royal Salute) Here is such a "weapon" The Omani Sayf. The Omani Dancing Sword also used at pageants (The Funoon) weddings and most importantly at tribal march pasts where the sword is raised high and buzzed in the air and even thrown high and caught by the performers. Here shown with Terrs the traditional shield, the Khanjar dagger and long gun; The Abu Futtilla (The one with the match).
Since saluting and pageantry was very much part of a soldiers daily life it is not surprising to see the item carried as part of their equipment.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.
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Salaams Ibrahiim,
Thank you very much for this beautiful post containing very important information.
Another note you could add would be whether the Omani sword was used in executing certain punishment to criminals committing certain crimes, and how did these swords differ fro other war or dancing swords.
Another important thing could also be the use of the sword in diplomatic gifts: Which Omani swords were usually given as gifts; from the monarchs to their outstanding subordinates, and between the monarchs themselves (Omani and foreigner)?
Frankly, I find you an encyclopedia; not just in Omani swords, but also in swords of nations that have shores on the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.
Best regards,
Ahmed Helal Hussein