THE FLAMBOUYANT OMANI SAYF

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Reference;
A. The Sayf Yemaani on EAA Library.
B. The Omani Dancing Sword.

Thank you Jim for your well balanced analysis of this sword...it seems obvious that this weapon being identical in all respects to the straight Omani dancer .. The Omani Sayf … that it is not only the close cousin to it but in fact started life as an Omani Sayf and was simply given its wavy edge. Like its cousin it has a flat spatulate end razor sharp edges and a round tip. The tang is integral with the blade not specially extended and ending with the usual pommel with a hole (not all) and the hilt constructed around the tang is the Omani hilt of long, tubular, flat, form giving extra control on the blade for vibrating the sword in the wrist; especially in the heraldic march past in respects to the Ruler.

It is interesting that down the years this kind of sword has been mistaken by visitors to Oman as some sort of battle sword but this is likely owing to the fierceness of the warriors carrying it than any supposed use in actual fighting. The long hilt moreover is not a "twa hander" but simply a longer counter balance to the blade which is extremely flexible with the point when grasped can be pulled back to touch the hilt! Thus in action as a dancing blade would be impossible with a small grip. The long hilt therefor simply reflects the springiness of the blade.
To underline the one handed application it may be noted that the other hand has the Terrs buckler shield used in the traditionalal Funun...that includes in the sword genre the mimic fight.

To view the way the old Omani Battlesword Passed down these characterisics of design please See reference A.
For the development of the Omani Sayf/ the Omani Dancer see reference B.
For the typical Omani hilt on these swords see below from a Muscat museum.