19th Century Omani Khanjar?

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Harry Wagner, As already noted this is from Al Hasa in Eastern Saudia. The style is interesting and carries the copied in style of the Muscat Khanjar...and its 7 rings, the mulberry fruit clusters and the little shields above the belt outer rings common on Nizwa weapons...and the general aura of the Muscat and Sayyidiyyah styles. The link between Oman and Al Hasa was through the trading ports of Muscat and Bahrain. In addition great camel trains brought goods as well as slaves from Buraimi to the Al Hasa oasis therefor the linki can clearly be seen. "Similar" mirroring of style can be seen in the Habaabi Khanjar from Abha now in SW Saudia near the Yemen border... Look in Search for this. Type The Omani Khanjar.. or... Habaabi

See maps below. Note that in the old days Al Hasa oasis was part of the Al Bahrain region.

This is actually very interesting. I do see why this type would often be considered a descendant or influenced by the Saidi dagger, it makers sense, both have many similarities.

Now when it comes to the term Habaabi, from where did it originate, Peter?

I do not know of any area called Habaabi, there is Alhababiya in Madina but thats way off course. There is alHabaabi tribe, but why would a type of dagger worn through out the kingdom (even by some of AlSaud) be considered specific to a certain tribe that did not produce a single artisan for this style?

Asir region and other southern Saudi areas use many styles, one of which is the one in discussion and this style has well known makers and lesser known ones. Some are actually made in Riyadh by skilled Indian workers. Some are custom made in Oman too. So its abit more broad than a single tribe.