The Omani Khanjar

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

This smaller and typically well balanced Weapon is from the famous coastal city of Sur. The pattern is chequered in silver geometry sewed onto the leather scabbard . The belt outer rings are rather in the newer fashion of twisted silver decoration ...Some like ..others don't. The hilt is Giraffe horn.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

On blades which you would think everything that could be written has been written there is scarce proof absolute of the origin of manufacture... Suffice to say however is that the point of manufacture was probably split between Sanaa in Yemen and India and Persia.

There is support in some quarters that German blades entered the equation and I cannot say why not although no blades I have seen confirm nor deny this possibility and none I have ever seen are struck with makers marks as such.

It is a fact that Omani Khanjar blades have no marks stamped or chiseled into them. Some as seen on these pages have variation in the central raised rib in that some have flanking grooves placed either side of the main rib seen at #354 while some have three distinct ribs like this one below called The One with three (grooves?)... a parallel description of an Omani sword with three of these..

And so for now we go with the idea of Persia, India, Yemen and Germany as the origin of provision of Omani Khanjar blades although I have heard rumours that some were locally made and some were made from meteorites...and others from Johor or wootz material (this is true in part because Russian blades in wootz are today available)...Personally however, I think myths may have crept into the mix but record this post as "interesting" for later study and confirmation.

[Edster]

It's interesting that all the blades seem to have the same dimensions and curve profile. Also, except for the Royal hilted the scabbard is the seat of distinctive design and embellishment as well as amounts of labor and silver (cost).

What is the name and significance of the conical pieces next to the rings?

Thanks for sharing!!!

Ed

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Reference:
A. http://www.khanjar.om/Materials.html
B. http://omanisilver.com

Thank you Ed, The regional general designs are tuned to a central likeness with specific designs from area to area. The linked websites of omanisilver.com and the website with the Omani Khanjar thesis break these down from each region as seen at references above.…

The conical shapes have two names hat or shield of which I prefer to choose the latter; Terrs… In the Khanjar dance a Shield or Terrs is used in the performance which is in the traditions or Funoon.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

We know that the main traded items entering the Zanzibar hub were Slaves ..Rhino Horn and hides and Ivory. It has been quite difficult to obtain Ivory Khanjar examples with specific high definition pictures but luckily we have a couple for forum. High density plastic has been used and makes a reasonable substitute however here is the real thing and we can only hope more substitute materials can step up such as Mamoth ?…

[Gonzoadler]

The omani Khanjar is a very interesting dagger. To keep this thread alive I show a very old example. It is silver mounted, the hilt is made of Rhino horn and with a ring of solid gold. I think it is a very charismatic piece.

[A.alnakkas]

Lovely dagger, Gonzoadler

[Peter Hudson]

Originally Posted by Gonzoadler

The omani Khanjar is a very interesting dagger. To keep this thread alive I show a very old example. It is silver mounted, the hilt is made of Rhino horn and with a ring of solid gold. I think it is a very charismatic piece.

Hello Gonzoadler...Sorry to miss this one ... The question on the two raised ribs on the blade is really a question tied to Omani Khanjar blades and where they came from. I have only seen a few multi ribs as they are usually one only on each side of the blade.. They say that blades were imported from Persia India Yemen and Germany. Not usually wootz style just plain steel. I have what looks like a triple rib on the thread...It is said that some blades were made locally and even some made from meteorites..
The gold ring around the Maqbath( hilt) is interesting ... Is it solid gold? Usually where gold is used to enhance the design it is pulled off a roll which is gilded but not solid. A pin or silver nail is usually tacked to secure the work .
The hilt is normally covered in either a silver plate or in a mass of tiny pins the same shape as a plate...see examples all over the thread.
The hilt raises the major question I think... Is it a Rhino Hilt or Giraffe... ? One ear is clipped and in fact the overall condition is a dagger that has had a tough life... A good polish up with silvo or toothpaste might resurrect it and you might want to look out for a belt ...and even consider a few accoutrements... My suspicion points to this being a UAE dagger or Dhakiliyyah but it is a reasonable example ... Thank you for posting.

Peter Hudson.