Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 4th March 2012, 05:25 PM

Salaams ~ The majority of old pictures depict Zanzibari or Muscat Sultans sporting great long curved Kattara swords but because of the constraints on close up pictures in the late 19th C. often the sword picture is cut at about half way!(making identification difficult) Often they are also seen with Khanjars and/ or either of the other swords (Shamshir Style or Zanzibari Nimcha)... or no weapon at all.

Something of a clue is offered by the nature of the badge of office in that in full regalia a Sultan(Official or VIP) is not likely to be about to engage in pageantry, moreover, it is the curved sword Kattara being worn to reflect the majestic rank of the wearer ( Such swords tend to have slightly longer hilts than the dancing straight Sayf variant.) The final proof in this case is in photo two of a full length showing "the curve". The Omani Kattara !

In addition below The Kattara is rigged to carry in the low mount on two sword rings.) Note also the Royal Khanjar.(Anyone is entitled to wear it) This is Tipu Sultan the great slave trader.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

4th March 2012, 05:25 PM	#261
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Salaams ~ The majority of old pictures depict Zanzibari or Muscat Sultans sporting great long curved Kattara swords but because of the constraints on close up pictures in the late 19th C. often the sword picture is cut at about half way!(making identification difficult) Often they are also seen with Khanjars and/ or either of the other swords (Shamshir Style or Zanzibari Nimcha)... or no weapon at all. Something of a clue is offered by the nature of the badge of office in that in full regalia a Sultan(Official or VIP) is not likely to be about to engage in pageantry, moreover, it is the curved sword Kattara being worn to reflect the majestic rank of the wearer ( Such swords tend to have slightly longer hilts than the dancing straight Sayf variant.) The final proof in this case is in photo two of a full length showing "the curve". The Omani Kattara ! In addition below The Kattara is rigged to carry in the low mount on two sword rings.) Note also the Royal Khanjar.(Anyone is entitled to wear it) This is Tipu Sultan the great slave trader. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Attached Images Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 4th March 2012 at 07:09 PM.