The Omani Khanjar

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Possibly one of the nicer khanjars I have viewed this week . Its a Nizwani (of Nizwa) and has a zraf hindi hilt...a misnomer... (Giraffe African) Hammered into the horn adding weight and design are silver and brass pins in a geometric design.This weapons scabbard has a silver sheet backing it below the belt which is just visible. The newer chain dangling off one edge may have any accouterments on it such as the tweezers or a tobacco pouch in silver with silver pipe.. It has the crossed swords and khanjar at centre on a button. The emblem of Oman... Thus the chain is post about 1970.

It has two replacement linkages holding it to the belt...which is a standard leather with slver wire stitching . I dont like the linkages ! but they are now acceptable. The scabbard shows wear under the silver weaving probably termite in places.. and I think there's glue holding the weave together but it will last a few more years then maybe a refit.