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29th February 2020, 07:49 PM | #1 |
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Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE
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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. |
29th February 2020, 10:09 PM | #2 |
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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 |
1st March 2020, 07:04 AM | #3 |
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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. Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 1st March 2020 at 07:16 AM. |
15th March 2020, 08:54 PM | #4 |
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Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE
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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 ?…
Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 15th March 2020 at 09:05 PM. |
30th July 2020, 08:51 PM | #5 |
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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.
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10th August 2020, 04:36 AM | #6 |
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Location: Kuwait
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Lovely dagger, Gonzoadler
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17th April 2021, 11:33 AM | #7 |
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Made some spontaneous pictures of another Khanjar from my collection:
Scabbard and hilt should be antique but maybe the blade was replaced later. I also added a macro shot of the rhino handle. As I bought it, a little piece of parchment was with it. Maybe anyone can help me with the translation? Regards |
24th August 2021, 07:32 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
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. |
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24th August 2021, 08:49 PM | #9 |
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Thank you for your answer. The handle is made of rhino horn and the ring is definetely solid gold. It was fixed with 3 forged iron nails, but one is lost.
I don't want to polish that dagger because I like the patina a lot and this piece is very delicate, especially the embroidery. I will make some additional pictures to show them here. |
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