Omani Matchlock

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams All.. The terminology in Oman is interesting for these long guns.. There is as discussed the quite correct term of Father of the Match; Abu Futtila... Expertly pointed out by A.alnakkas who also draws the other Abu forms in as proof ... Also include Abu Shabak (the gigantic spider)...Father of the net meaning "The one with the net". Another is a rifle that has 5 rounds in the magazine called Abu Hamsa... The One with five. There are many more examples though the reference by Eftihis does not elaborate.

The other name for the long gun is Ruomi; This is taken from the Omani long leaf shaped spear of Rome fame...It would appear that with the non requirement of spears once guns took favour (though it was a favourite Omani weapon pre gunpowder) the name carried on...logically in an odd way giving the name of the spear to these long guns as well...Equally used in Oman as a term.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.