19th Century Omani Khanjar?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

I do not think the confusion is from my part, as I know these weapons well enough and can read the maker's names and is able to trace the makers to their specific areas. Both make identical styles with very minor differences. Both the examples posted in this forum post are what southern Arabs call Dojani (and that Omani supposedly call habaabi..) Both items are made by identified Ahsa makers.



Except there is no proof of Omani style khanjars worn in Asir region during the 19th century. Most of their style was dominantly Yemeni since it was.. part of Yemen.



I would love a single reference of an Omani of credibility with regards to heritage and tradition using the term Habaabi to address Asir. A textual reference or even an interview would do, be it in Arabic or English.



Actually.. AlAhsa is one of the better researched region, compared to Ha'il and Riyadh (also produced khanjars by the way) AlAhsa is rather easy to gain information about. its a very close knit society with makers still alive. The makers also do not have the tradition of belittling craftsmen that exist in more bedouin influenced areas. Thus its easy to go there and find information or to enquire with Hasawi researchers who produced alot of regarding the craftsmanship in the area and the families there.


Anyway, this style of khanjar can be identified by an upturned scabbard, chequered style wire wrap fixed with 7 rings over cloth/leather (usually green but other colours can be found) the hilt is larger and less decorated compared to the Saidi style. The chape and locket are made out filigree silver in multiple styles too.

Salaams ...Look at http://khanjar.om/Old.html go to al Wustah and see the almost identical weapon. Observe the very close link between Sur and Jazzan and join the dots. Being about half way to Zanzibar and an important trade point/hum Jazzan was a magnet for Oman to Zanzibar shipping. Oman pumped shiploads of Ivory herbs and slaves through this ancient port but mainly in the 19th C .
The region was in Yemen at the time...though after 1923 it was absorbed into Saudia.

See http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...8&page=7&pp=30

However, if you are not convinced please feel free to possit an alternative theory... Your idea that Ahsa and the Asir have got the same weapon is interesting and I can go along with that since I can see how both regions were supplied by the same Omani source weapon;...The Asir by sea...and al Ahsa by camel train....but the origin of species is Al Wustah. From what is now the al Wustah Region...Quote" Al-Wusta lies south of Ad-Dakhliyah Region and is bordered on the east by Arabian Sea, and on the west by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the second largest Region geographically after Dhofar, but the smallest demographically, with a population of only 23 thousand''.Unquote. I mean don't believe me if you don't want to but I spent a part of my life in this region ... but please absorb the detail surrounding Said the Great where you will note how pivotal this region was in the entire Zanzibar story. By coincidence I live at the start point of the other famous camel route Buraimi to Al Hasa, thus, I offer a degree of in area experience ...30+ years worth. Slave trading is still in living memory therefor I can assure forum of the credibility of this situation. Our store is 50 metres from the old slave market !

The al Wustah weapon appears to have influenced a number of regional and international styles including the Royal Omani Khanjar (in about 1835) as well as the weapon seen in Yemen at the time...now in Saudia (Asir) ...and more than likely the eastern Saudia region of Al Ahsa...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.