The Omani Khanjar

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Lofty,
I am not disagreeing in respect of HISTORICAL connection between Al Ahsa and Bahrain. The subject here is about the Al Ahsa Khanjar and the modern location of that area. I have no doubt that in the past there were cross connections and different boundries between factions/tribes etc., so the ORIGINAL khanjar could have originated anywhere.
As stated before, this style is illustrated in the book (not just a pamphlet as suggested by Ibrahiim) publication by the King Faisal Center, as coming from Al Ahsa.
I would respectfully suggest that if it is felt that the information is incorrect, then the person suggesting this should contact the Center to clarify. Their postal address is: P.O.Box 51049, Riyadh 11543, KSA
I look forward with interest to the conclusion.
Stu

In picking my way through your confused first paragraph where you distort Al Ahsa in relation to where it was and where it is today, though, to be honest to a newcomer to the dynamics of the region it must indeed be quite puzzling at times; I offer the following advice ~

May I first just qualify "the pamphlet" written in the early days by Ruth Hawley;

Although it appears as a relatively small pamphlet it contains a packed arsenal of fine historical detail probably not yet bettered til today...and highly respected by anyone studying Omani artefacts. It has been refered to by many other books and publications including the "Richardson and Dorr" and the book on Omani Silver by the prestigious Museum in Quwait; The Tareq Rajeb Museum, on the same subject. Though limited in scope it is a bastion of knowledge and the mainstay of many articles and books on Omani Artefacts. Her work is in fact a benchmark on Omani ethnographics, artefacts and antiques. You should therefor, perhaps, observe this '' pamphlet " which may help you to hoist in at least some of its content so as to deepen your understanding of Oman.

Furthermore, I have shown the direct link in style between the Omani Muscat Khanjar and the item from the Asir. Should you wish to identify another contender to be compared in the same or similar way then please do so...and since you appear to have to hand the documentary evidence then why don't you show it? I have no reason at this time to divert my attention from the key area already discussed ...The Asir and Muscat... linked by seatrade Muscat, Asir, Zanzibar.

In fact, you may well find that the area known as Bahrayn which included Al AHSA does have a dagger similar to the Omani style and that may well be down to trade as well... It will give you the opportunity to do some research and we all look forward to your in depth efforts on behalf of Forum in this regard.

To conclude; of course if anything turns up at this end I will post it straightaway, meanwhile, good luck on your research and note that you are starting with a reference in which you place high esteem. ( Occasionally, however, it has been noted that publications with apparently high qualifications sometimes fall short in fine detail through no fault of their own...perhaps you could illustrate the fine words describing the khanjar just to view as an example the historical depth of your reference?)

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Sa'idiyyah Khanjar

Salaams all ~ I would like to make a point of rule/fine tuning governing the Royal Omani Khanjar form; The Sa'idiyyah Khanjar.

It need not be fitted to a 7 ringer scabbard though actually these are far more common than the few extant 4 ringer examples with the Royal Hilt.

It should be remembered that Sheherazad invented the Royal Khanjar Hilt only (though she also invented the Turban and Camerbund style at the same time in about 1840/1850). Technically, therefor, it is the Hilt which denotes Sa'idiyyah Khanjar, thus, the scabbard can take other Omani forms from the original 7 ring Muscat Khanjar ( See # 132 for both 7 and 4 ringer scabbards with the Royal Hilt..) to other styles of 4 ringer scabbard seen with the Royal Hilts throughout this thread...such as on #63 pictures 1,2,3 and 4.

Note also that Omani Khanjar designs above incorporate the small diamond shaped lozenge rectangles perhaps infused from the Nizwa Hirz (lucky charm) hollow silver box necklace.

A reminder to members is also made of the other weapon hilt fashioned in almost identical design to the Sa'idiyyah Khanjar hilt... that of the old battle sword or Sayf Yamaani seen in that garb at .. The Omani Battle Sword.


(Cautionary note; In researching the design features of the Habaabi Khanjar and the Muscat Khanjar something odd is discovered; The large silver buttons and split palmette flower shapes don't appear on Muscat hilts... but are apparent on many Royal Khanjar Hilts. This is recorded here and on a new thread The Habaabi Khanjar/Jambia. The significance is important since it could after all mean that Habaabi design features were copied from the Royal Khanjar after all !)

Please see #2 of http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...899#post170899 for a startling new revelation.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi...

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

So what does this mean?...(Cautionary note; In researching the design features of the Habaabi Khanjar and the Muscat Khanjar something odd is discovered; The large silver buttons and split palmette flower shapes don't appear on Muscat hilts... but are apparent on many Royal Khanjar Hilts. This is recorded here and on a new thread The Habaabi Khanjar/Jambia. The significance is important since it could after all mean that Habaabi design features were copied from the Royal Khanjar after all !)

Please see #2 of http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showt...0899#post170899 for a startling new revelation.

What it means is that if true and assuming the design features were copied all at about the same time ...that the Habaabi cannot have existed before the appearance of The Royal Omani Khanjar (see #1)

This means the Habaabi ..from the Asir is a distant cousin created / copied not before about 1840/1850 at the height of trade to and from Zanzibar between Muscat Jazan and Zanzibar(and that regional coastal area known as Zanguebar or Zingabar)...maps below... Small one shows Omani possessions...

All this expansion took place under the watchful eye of Sa'id bin Sultan (Ruler of Muscat 1804 to 1856 ) and it was on his watch that one of his wives...Sheherazad ..designed the hilt for the Royal Khanjar in about 1840.

Note that the scabbard of the Royal Khanjar was taken lock stock 'n barrel off The Muscat Khanjar but the Hilt was a total redesign..and appeared to include some Indian decorative silver style.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

The Royal or Sa'idiyyah Khanjar of Oman # 1 and variously throughout this thread..also refers etc. Below is a Museum item from "The Bayt Al Zubair collection". This style mirrors the 7 ringer Scabbard style of The Muscat Khanjar with the hilt specially designed by Sheherazad in about 1840.

Technically it is the Hilt which specifies the Royal Khanjar as such.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Another Royal Sa'idiyyah style but of 4 ringer scabbard design... In the Baatinah form. The point being that is the hilt that designates The Royal Khanjar style, not the scabbard. Having said all that it should be noted that most Royal Khanjars are fitted with 7 ringers ...

In every 100 examples of Royal Khanjars I may see one or possibly two 4 ringers only...

Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

A question I sometimes get asked is;

"Where do the diamond shaped rectangles come from on some Omani Khanjars" ?

We need look no further than the lucky charm boxes (Hirz) for that answer and especially from the region of Nizwa.

Pictures below from the Historical Association volumes of Richardson and Dor fame.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams All ~ Of all the Omani Khanjar styles I have seen there is one which is difficult to place... Clearly it is old from the late 19th / early 20th C in my opinion...but where from in Oman? I found the picture whilst researching Khanjars for another project, however, I have searched for similar examples but as yet ... none. It may be because the silver maker...when he died ... that design vanished with him. There was one master silversmith whos work was of such a high standard that he was able to sign his work...not seen on any other Omani silver in the old days... The Master of Sulaif. I wondered if this was one of his masterpieces..?

The answer must be that this "style" is a Muscat Khanjar because it carries the 9 ringer scabbard and has a Tee shaped hilt on the dagger. The design above the belt of a geometric square of 11x11 silver round headed pins reflected also below the belt in a similar rectangle is for me a puzzle and unattributable to any silvermaker that I know.... The gigantic mulberry cluster on the Quba (crown) is also unusual. I have never seen geometry like this and of note are the 5 discs with 7 geometry decoration. Both 5 and 7 are lucky numbers and where the 7 reflects perhaps the 7 rings.

The overall feeling is of an extremely accurately drawn project piece with a beautiful almost delicate hilt...and perfectly balanced throughout..The technique of brown whip cord decoration on the scabbard under the rings is not one I have ever encountered..but is very attractive.


They don't make them like that anymore !

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Picture from The Richardson and Dorr Volumes; The Craft Herritage of Oman.