The Saudi Dojan Khanjar

A.alnakkas · 2nd November 2016, 08:04 PM

Though the Dojani khanjar shares common designs with Omani styles (some later makers adopted more Omani features) it is though, a later evolution of the style shared in these images.

Both these daggers are early, dating (according to examples of provenance) to the king AbdulAziz era and likely slightly earlier. The main differences are the wire wrapping style and the minimal curve on the scabbard. Now for this style, I am not 100% certain where it is originated. Atleast not in a sure way.

A.alnakkas · 2nd November 2016, 08:08 PM

But another similar style is the Hijazi I have spoken about. Earliest examples trace to Hijaz and is part of the dress of the Shareefs. The style is very similar to the 'early' Dojan style just significantly smaller, usually made in all gold or all silver construction. Some examples have no filigree work but the earlier ones do.

A.alnakkas · 2nd November 2016, 08:12 PM

This is a Ahsa production for the Saudi government as gifts and dress. It is based on the Hijazi style but with some minor editions. The style while cannot be found in documents, appears to have been adopted in mass by the Saudi Government after the unification of the state. With the earlier (Examples worn by the Shareefs) appear older.

Another observation that this particular design is also found in Ottoman influenced states such as AlRasheed of Ha'il.

A.alnakkas · 2nd November 2016, 08:15 PM

Saudi researchers I have contacted suggest that some khanjars in Hijaz were made by Ottoman craftsmen. But non provided an example for me to view and compare to ones I tracked to Arab makers. Could it be like the picture? Niello work was not the speciality of any Arab maker I know of.

Note on this example: The construction is that of a khanjar but it has features that are different like niello and a wootz blade. But the engraving style on the gold parts are very similar to decoration made by Arab makers. Its a confusing piece, but one could suggest it was made by maker representing the Ottomans? Or a Dagestani in Mecca? :-) if anyone can assist, I appreciate it.

DaveA · 4th November 2016, 07:26 AM

This is magnificent. With all the different design elements it risks being just too much, but it is not. I love the multiple layers, and the gold over the darker background. Thanks for sharing.

Dave A

2nd November 2016, 08:04 PM	#1
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Though the Dojani khanjar shares common designs with Omani styles (some later makers adopted more Omani features) it is though, a later evolution of the style shared in these images. Both these daggers are early, dating (according to examples of provenance) to the king AbdulAziz era and likely slightly earlier. The main differences are the wire wrapping style and the minimal curve on the scabbard. Now for this style, I am not 100% certain where it is originated. Atleast not in a sure way. Attached Images

2nd November 2016, 08:08 PM	#2
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	But another similar style is the Hijazi I have spoken about. Earliest examples trace to Hijaz and is part of the dress of the Shareefs. The style is very similar to the 'early' Dojan style just significantly smaller, usually made in all gold or all silver construction. Some examples have no filigree work but the earlier ones do. Attached Images

2nd November 2016, 08:12 PM	#3
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	This is a Ahsa production for the Saudi government as gifts and dress. It is based on the Hijazi style but with some minor editions. The style while cannot be found in documents, appears to have been adopted in mass by the Saudi Government after the unification of the state. With the earlier (Examples worn by the Shareefs) appear older. Another observation that this particular design is also found in Ottoman influenced states such as AlRasheed of Ha'il. Attached Images

2nd November 2016, 08:15 PM	#4
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Saudi researchers I have contacted suggest that some khanjars in Hijaz were made by Ottoman craftsmen. But non provided an example for me to view and compare to ones I tracked to Arab makers. Could it be like the picture? Niello work was not the speciality of any Arab maker I know of. Note on this example: The construction is that of a khanjar but it has features that are different like niello and a wootz blade. But the engraving style on the gold parts are very similar to decoration made by Arab makers. Its a confusing piece, but one could suggest it was made by maker representing the Ottomans? Or a Dagestani in Mecca? :-) if anyone can assist, I appreciate it. Attached Images

4th November 2016, 07:26 AM	#5
DaveA Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 416	Design This is magnificent. With all the different design elements it risks being just too much, but it is not. I love the multiple layers, and the gold over the darker background. Thanks for sharing. Dave A