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Old 13th May 2014, 11:46 AM   #19
Ibrahiim al Balooshi
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE
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Originally Posted by Richard G
Thank you gentlemen, for explaining this. I now get the idea, especially having gone back to some references I should have checked earlier, but:

The King Faisal Centre catalogue (page 56) has a pair of Al-Ahsa daggers described as "Doojaniyan" (meaning a pair?), but with the "chequered" wiring which Mr Alnakkas suggests is SKSA.

Richardson and Dorr (page 451) has a khunjar with a bu Sa'idi hilt but in a scabbard with the radiating diamond pattern, described as Omani.

Elgood's Arms and Armour of Arabia (page 82) shows a "typical Omani khanjar...Ibri(?)" which this thread would probably place in SKSA, particularly as it is on a Yemeni style belt.

Ruth Hawley's photo of a khanjar "probably made in the Sharqiyah" is remarkably similar to Stu's, but with "chequered" wiring and on an Omani style belt.

Also Ruth Hawley, in her narrative says "what can be said, however, is that the the modern geometric design and the diamond pattern so frequently seen on Omani silver probably came from Sanaa...and originated with Jewish silversmiths there. In Oman these designs are found extensively on Nizwa work, Sur and some work from Ibri. ...The most likely provenance of a hirz with geometric designs or applique diamond shapes is Nizwa."

So exceptions, conundrums and misattributions rule the roost! It makes life so much more interesting.
Thank you all very much
Richard
Salaams Richard G. You aren't kidding !! A Great post by the way !!
Unpicking some of the narrow differences is a bit of a Houdini act but the references your references are superb... The Ruth Hawley is a bit blurred in my copy but her narrative cannot be questioned..The Richardson and Dorr item is tantalizing and difficult to place but is Omani...Rightaway I have pointed to little documentation on the al hasa thus I hope that is to be done by someone in that region...It certainly makes for an interesting puzzle...
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 14th May 2014 at 10:36 AM.
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