Great photos illustrating the examples of these tubular or cylindrical hilts which while characteristic of the sa'if which are intended for the Razha sword dance integral to the Funun events.
What is often confusing is that many of these elaborately decorated and sometimes with hilts of notable length which are apparently worn as fashionable status oriented accoutrements by persons of court or officials. Also merchants wore variations of these distinctive swords.
It is difficult to place the exact time when these became part of the Omani sword spectrum, but their hilts seem to recall those of ancient times into Saljuq Turk/Persian forms and Mamluk types of 12-14th c. Most of these however seem to have a shouldered guard and or cuff, like the sa'if Yemani.
Perhaps these were kind of a 'revival' type hilt, but it does seem that they were intended for the dance function involving the vertical posture of the blade, vibrating etc.
It seems that as noted, during the time of Said the Great is most likely as there were so many elaborations in weaponry and such visual effects, as the Razha became.
Burton (and Demmin) both commented on these cylindrical hilted swords as seen in Zanzibar worn by 'Arab gentlemen' and expressed wonder as to how such a weapon could be wielded in combat. It is unclear if Burton ever witnessed a Razha dance, but he (the swordsman he was) expressed disdain over Arab sword combat manner in leaping and evasive jumps. He describes the sword being held like a 'quarterstaff' with two hands.
This example with flamboyant blade seems a good illustration of the kinds of elaboration used in these type Omani sa'if, whether ones intended for use in the Razha and more of an implement than weapon...…..or those worn in fashionable status manner, and in the style of these al Busaidi forms.
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