Somewhat Unusual Omani Khanjar for Comment

[Atlantia]

Teodor,

It's an interesting pair of Khanjars you have there.
Have you cleaned them up at all?
I'm particularly taken by the decoration on the second one (the more typical one). I've never seen a heart depicted on one before.

Best
Gene

[Nathaniel]

Great photos Ibrahiim! It is fascinating to see craftsman at work! Thank you very much for sharing with us all!

[TVV]

Thank you Ibrahim - always very interesting to know how khanjars are made. We have seen some info on the production of Yemeni janbiyas, but this is the first time someone has given us a glimpse into the methods of decorating Omani khanjar scabbards.

Gene,I know very little about the symbolism of the decoration on Omani khanjars - basically what Ibrahim has shared here and Elgood's book. As such, I have no idea of the significance of the heart, and I do not know if this is a rare or a relatively common symbol.

Regards,
Teodor

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by TVV

Thank you Ibrahim - always very interesting to know how khanjars are made. We have seen some info on the production of Yemeni janbiyas, but this is the first time someone has given us a glimpse into the methods of decorating Omani khanjar scabbards.

Gene,I know very little about the symbolism of the decoration on Omani khanjars - basically what Ibrahim has shared here and Elgood's book. As such, I have no idea of the significance of the heart, and I do not know if this is a rare or a relatively common symbol.

Regards,
Teodor

Salaams, Heart Shape? Im not sure if you refer to the leaf pattern.. or a heart shape to a thread above mine with a heart shape on it. The leaf pattern though depicted on an Omani Khanjar appears to be originally a Persian or Indian derivative called Miri Bota(leaf pattern) adopted by the Scotish famous Paisley tie company. In the case of its inclusion on an Omani Khanjar on my thread about making Khanjars it is sometimes referred to as the eyes of the Bedouin.. as I think you will agree they do look rather eyes like... or mask like.
Formal heart shapes. Khanjars with formal heart shapes are available as Ive seen several however in my collection of about 40 Khanajer I dont have a single one ! I would say relatively common.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams, Heart Shape? Im not sure if you refer to the leaf pattern.. or a heart shape to a thread above mine with a heart shape on it. The leaf pattern though depicted on an Omani Khanjar appears to be originally a Persian or Indian derivative called Miri Bota(leaf pattern) adopted by the Scotish famous Paisley tie company. In the case of its inclusion on an Omani Khanjar on my thread about making Khanjars it is sometimes referred to as the eyes of the Bedouin.. as I think you will agree they do look rather eyes like... or mask like.
Formal heart shapes. Khanjars with formal heart shapes are available as Ive seen several however in my collection of about 40 Khanajer I dont have a single one ! I would say relatively common.

Ah, thank you Ibrahim.

Teodor,
Have you cleaned this one up at all? I think it would look very fine!

[TVV]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Teodor,
Have you cleaned this one up at all? I think it would look very fine!

Gene,

I prefer not to clean brass and silver aggressively, as I prefer them with patina. I guess it is a matter of personal preference, but I like mine showing age.

Teodor

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by TVV

Gene,

I prefer not to clean brass and silver aggressively, as I prefer them with patina. I guess it is a matter of personal preference, but I like mine showing age.

Teodor

Hi Teodor,

I like something in the middle but I know what you mean. Otherwise these can look too new

Lovely examples BTW!
Best
Gene

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Nathaniel

Great photos Ibrahiim! It is fascinating to see craftsman at work! Thank you very much for sharing with us all!

Salaams,
My next set of pictures shows the two other components of the scabbard ie 1. The belt section. 2. The Above the belt section. It can be seen that silver wire and silver rings are the main components in holding together and securing the belt section whilst the "above the belt" is plate silver, die pattern hammered and fitted as a sleeve. The important bit to understand is the back of the scabbard since that holds all the clues as to how the silver stitched "frontal lower belt" is attached.
To top it off there is a silver crown occasionally decorated in silver balls reflecting the fruit of the common Mulberry bush here in Oman.
Thats all on the scabbard maker as its another 400 kms to take in the art of Khanjar Hilt making.