Robert, thank you for your kind reply.

As indicated I am geared to continue the thread starting with the refreshed new pictures of the Giraffes head and in setting out a short roadmap to re establish the importance of this 10 page epic with hits around 95,000. This took six years in the making and was a massive data base on a subject that EAA had virtually nothing on previously; thus it is our responsibility to make it happen. :shrug:

What is envisaged is a photo log of different Omani Khanjars allowing members the chance to fire in any questions as they wish; thus opening up the thread to suggestion and feedback.

The picture recorded below shows an Omani hilt and khanjar blade .. the hilt of oddly named Zraff Hindi which is weird as india doesn't have these...but Africa does... and beside that a picture of an Okapi clearly of similar head shape to the adjoining shot of a Giraffe...and the two animals are even related by species although Okapi don't have big enough horns for a penknife let alone a batch of Khanjar hilts.

What is large enough is the giraffe or at least the male; rolling out as a 22 foot tall beast with 6 foot long legs capable of actually killing a lion by kicking off its head! The word game becomes complicated when you take the Arabic given name of the Rhino which is Zraff Afrique!

I think it wise to mention that all these animals are now on the endangered list thus caution is advised and as always when dealing with ethnographic weapons great sympathy and awareness is needed when covering such issues..

Therefor moving forward with this thread I will offer a series of never seen before examples of THE OMANI KHANJAR and hope members will come in with any questions and suggestions.

Something similar occurred with the thread about makers' marks just last year. I offered a suggestion which allowed for the content to be recreated. It may well work to restore this thread. I think fernando did the hard work on that, so it would be worth asking him for advice.

Edit- never mind...it seems the photos are now displaying.

[B]OMANI KHANJARS PART TWO[/B]

As a roadmap marker we seem to have arrived more or less at about PART TWO where a slight change of direction may be called for with more of the pictorial log effect and perhaps some daggers not often seen but well worth looking at, and an open house for questions from members on THE OMANI KHANJAR.

The first is this extraordinary piece below sporting a newish style of Omani work knife. :shrug:

This one is difficult> The hilt is Yemeni which locals call Zraf Yemeni. It is old Rhino from a Yemeni Jambia with all original silver Yemeni silver furniture> It is an old hilt likely to be an heirloom. The man wearing it has a different pattern on his white Dishdash ...which is from the UAE. The scabbard is deeply cut/patterned on plate silver (not silver stitched).
I think this is a UAE Khanjar. :shrug:

Just for clarification, you mean the silver parts are made of sheet silver, not silver plate over another metal, right?

SEE #5 . In the usual case in Oman silver thread is woven in a pattern and affixed to the base material which is a wooden core covered in leather. Occasionally part or all of the scabbard below the belt rings may be made of sheet of varying thickness..#1 also displays some sheet work. This Khanjar in post here has quite thick sheet with a pattern hammered in. It is quite unusual but can happen and as noted this weapon seems off the periphery probably UAE and with a Yemeni hilt from an old Jambia.

This example suggests a Giraffe horn hilt (Zraff Hindi) and the maker from Nizwa... This is a Nizwaani Khanjar. (of Nizwa)
I was quite interested in this because of the two old floral studs on the hilt and the big work knife tucked behind with a striking pattern not seen before; on the handle. the two miniature shields over the outer rings are said to be of the Nizwa type but not all and many other makers copy this throughout Oman.. called the same as the Omani battleshield; Terrs. For other part names see # 218.

The pins holding on the two button shaped discs at the Hilt would drive me mad however. (I think they are iron nails!) :shrug:

it is a while since this style has been looked at.. A meaty hilt in Sandalwood on a Dhaakiliyya khanjar (Interior) identified by the large amount of leather showing below the belt section. Sandalwood is a scented hardwood and takes quite closely packed silver pins nicely without splitting. In this case the belt is original to the khanjar with quite unusual decorated tiny terrs shields above the outer rings and a fairly unusual pattern on the lower scabbard. The silverwork above the rings reminds me of the Royal Khanjar style. As does the delicate work on the Qoba'a :shrug:

This Omani Khanjar has a hilt of giraffe horn the Omani people call ZRAF HINDI but as we now know its the African Giraffe..somehow lost or muddled in the translation... I prefer this type of decorated pin on a floral design which is of gold wash on silver; much of it rubbed off by now.. :shrug:

NOTE the miniature stack of silver cannon balls on the end of the scabbard(Qooba) do not represent cannonballs but reflect the abundant wild Mulberry bushes fruit in Oman. they appear on Omani silver jewelry and nearly always on Omani Khanjar scabbards.

In Oman the silversmith has three sources of top quality silver with which to make Khanjars.
1. Silver ingots imported from China. The Omani mine at Sohar (MEGAN)also produces silver Ingots as a bi product of its copper mining.
2. Scrap silver ( when a lady dies it is usual for her dowry silver to be sold back to the silver smith and melted for essentially the next requirement for a silver Dowry.
3. Maria Theresa Thalers. She was ruler of Austria and Spain and her coins are commemorative dated 1780 when she died and continue to be highly respected for silver content even today. see below and also note the website among many with additional detail on this coinage> http://www.theresia.name/en/:shrug:

The Brother to # 251

DAVID E. AT# 251 posted an interesting Omani Khanjar and just today I received one so similar to it and confirmed as also from Nizwa that it must be from the same workshop. The weapon I show has a confirmed zraf hindi (African horn hilt) in rounded top form and the plate below the hilt is identical but inverted compared to its brother although the stitching directly below the rings on both examples is the same ..
see below :shrug:

Here is a great example distinct and clear as to its provenance.. :shrug:

CLUES INCLUDE HAVING A LOOK AT #248 AND #278 AS WELL AS THE UNDERLYING STRUCTURE OF A NEW WEAPON IN THE MAKING AT #5

The Qita'a is a give away and should help pinpoint two regions where these are traditional thus the belt may then zero in on the correct choice.

The MAQBATH is little dull in this OSICONE but you may guess to its origins based on this?

See #218 for the correct parts names.

For interest see http://khanjar.om/Types.html an excellent study of Omani Khanjars most useful in dissecting where a weapon has originated... Highly recommended to forum. :shrug:

Bitter Orange Wood

I have seen thousands of Omani Khanjars, however, one material name that crops up occasionally is a so called bitter orange wood known locally as khashab al nereng but I have never seen it. does anyone have any idea what this stuff looks like.... needless to say the search is on here where it appears to be a South Asian wood... used ..it is said... as a good hilt material for Omani Khanjars as is Sandalwood but for bitter orange I never encountered it !! Any ideas? :shrug:

I don't have any ideas, but I have many questions as a latecomer to the world of khanjhars, and I have been remiss in not following them with you more closely .
What I have learned in trying to go through the remarkable detail and guidelines/observations you have shared here over the years and with others here keen on these daggers, is how very complex they really are.

In the recent discussions on the materials used for the hilts on khanjhars, you brought up giraffe horn, which nearly two years ago apparently was thought to have not actually been used despite the ZRAF HINDI term used. It appears that it was thought to be hoof material from giraffe possibly.

The realization that it indeed was giraffe horn you made recently seems to have been very important, and I have always thought that the rhino horn characteristically used in these was essential for either talismanic or other properties.

So what I am trying to understand is if there are indeed any certain stipulations or specific reasons for one material over another. Have any khanjhars used ivory for hilts?

The use of this orange wood material seems aesthetic, so it seems perhaps that availability of materials superceded some such requirements such as I thought were observed re: the rhino horn.

Just trying to get an idea of various hilt materials and any significances etc.
I know this has been covered through many posts, but just catching up.

Thanks Jim ~ Good questions and I agree it is a bit puzzling. Of the 11 different regions in Oman they can all sport some of the same design variables as the next region which must be slightly confusing when a researcher is trying to nail a style. I often refer back to the website http://khanjar.om/Types.html which probably serves half the equation and has a most useful regional map of Oman and distinctive regional differences and similarities.

Time has dictated that a silversmith in any of the northern regions can produce any of the 10 /11 variable styles from any of the regions and that further difficult original locating is made worse when a style is mixed. the book says that Nizwa for example produces the largest khanjars yet I have seen huge daggers from the baatinah coast and from a separate entity around Bahla a giant thing twice as big as any khanjar worn by a giant. The man was 80 plus years old and he was a true giant over 7 feet tall with hands like three mens but these are examples of one offs...and there are more of those … and even 8 and nine ringers! then the variables from the UAE sometrimes impossible to separate from Dhakiliyya Khanjars next door ….but I digress..

The incredible appearance of the facts surrounding the Giraffe horn

The horn from the male African Giraffe is quite substantial although it is not so translucent as the Rhino ...in fact it is quite dark..though its colour can vary from dark to greenish...its not translucent but has excellent acceptance of silver nails and is used on both normal 4 ringers and on Royal khanjars. It is however an endangered species thus ought to be avoided although old giraffe may be acceptable it certainly is not to me.

What I think are excellent hilts are the hardwoods such as Sandalwood which I am about to show on site and this other bitter orange which I must track down since as a south Asian wood I am absolutely certain it is one of those old traded hardwood varieties that must be brought to the table for recognition and as a replacement hilt for these endangered animals.

On Fils (Ivory) the first big assault was on Ivory was from the USA !! in the shape of billiard balls and piano keys. Indeed it was done via an American shipping company operating direct from Zanzibar at the time of Saiid The Great.

The whats in a word angle goes wild here when the old Arabic words get used>>>>Zraf Hindi means Indian Giraffe and even the term for old replacement Yemeni Jambia hilts on Omani work>>>Zraf Yemeni... and the use of Hasheb Norang for bitter orange wood which I still have not traced. The name in Arabic for Rhino horn is also odd>>Zraf Afrique.. AFRICAN GIRAFFE :shrug:

Just to insert an Ivory hilt...from #247

This is an extremely detailed floral design with what appears to be Indian influence...not surprising since their close proximity as trading partners throughout history not to mention the fact that Sheherezad one of the wives of Saiid the Great actually designed the new fangled hilt on the Royal Khanjar in about 1835 from Indian designs.
What I don't prefer to see are the rings which are woven, I think, to a newer design that clash in my view.
Here is an intricate design with zraf hindi hilt which is of course African Giraffe. :shrug:

Focusing on a little Ethnographics ...The Funun is the set of Traditions played out in Oman in dance music poetry and singing in a form of pantomime to rhythm and often an ancient musical score . In fact this entire set of Genres was the means by which traditional performance passed these performances down the generations so that in researching weapons the Sword or Khanjar dances can be traced far into the past. Please see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87h_...rt_radio=1#t=1 for the Bara'a The Khanjar Dance

Thank you so much for adding this visual look into these important traditional events, in which the weaponry is so much an integral part. These have long been overlooked in the study of Omani arms, which in itself has only ever had a brief inclusion in the study of the arms of Arabia.

Thanks Jim, The Funun is almost completely overlooked in appreciating Omani weapons . The key is that here are the passed down enacted Traditions some beginning at the outset of the religion here. The weapons Genres are vital in our understanding of their place in Omani history and point to their use in the socio religious reason for their use and development. No study of Omani weapons can take place without looking at The Funun.

Below is rather an odd one out since it appears in Salalah in Southern Oman …(Dhofar) where it is worn by Jebali mountain tribesmen. This weapon is the same essentially to what their distant cousins wear in close by regions of Yemen...What is also peculiar is that the same weapon crops up in the OMANI Wahiba desert in North East Oman. In this case the hilt is the now well known (on these pages) use of Giraffe Horn (now endangered) from African sources called in Omani Arabic zraf hindi. Typically worn on a simple narrow leather belt.

In Salalah they call it al Genoobi and in the Sharqiyya al Hanshiah. for further detail see http://khanjar.om/Parts.html and look under TYPES.

This example looks lethal... and something about the slender hilt makes it look dangerous ..It has two new studs and pin decorations surrounding and is in fact Rhino and looking at the wear on the hilt it is old..So zraf afrique it is...and with a new cuff. The scabbard is non existent thus it seems this old dagger is looking for a match...This style could be a degraded Royal Khanjar hilt with all the silver stripped off or... possibly this two star design is called as shams, which means sun, and this kind of handle is locally known as the Al Sifani handle. This type of handle named after the Bani Saif family or Omani tribes in Ash Sharqiah governorate. This family was well known for this type of handle according to the Omani khanjar makers. :shrug:

The incidence of double or trebble dagger and only one scabbard are increasing so the owner can change his preferred dagger to suit.. The weapon suddenly becomes a Royal Khanjar ... :shrug: I don't like it, however, as there's too much silver plate work on the Royal Khanjar in my opinion and there are missing pins and a stud on the left hand dagger type... they are both too shiny for my liking … but that is often the case with new silver.

Here a good well made geometric pattern throughout and well designed reflections in silver stitched leather below the belt accurately drawn and executed... In the split palmette style but with clever and artistic interpretation throughout.( PERHAPS A HINT OF MAGIC SQUARES ) Hilt in African Giraffe Horn ...Zraf Hindi. Unusually at the cuff is the ancient VVVVVVV pattern also seen on some of the cuffs of the battle swords Sayf Yamaani. The Qoba (crown) is given quite delicate treatment here with artistic decoration in the same material as the rest of the weapon... new silver ...which will develop a Patina very quickly.

The use of gold coloured cord to wrap the lower scabbard in a typical rendition of the Royal Khanjar ... You may recall that the Royal khanjar is designated by the hilt (only) change made in about 1830 /40 by Sheherazad one of the wives of Saiid the Great... Thus not constrained by the number of rings in the scabbard it can have 4 or 7 rings... Cloth belt antique examples can be seen at the excellent rendition on http://omanisilver.com/ :shrug:

Possibly one of the nicer khanjars I have viewed this week . Its a Nizwani (of Nizwa) and has a zraf hindi hilt...a misnomer... (Giraffe African) Hammered into the horn adding weight and design are silver and brass pins in a geometric design.This weapons scabbard has a silver sheet backing it below the belt which is just visible. The newer chain dangling off one edge may have any accouterments on it such as the tweezers or a tobacco pouch in silver with silver pipe.. It has the crossed swords and khanjar at centre on a button. The emblem of Oman... Thus the chain is post about 1970.

It has two replacement linkages holding it to the belt...which is a standard leather with slver wire stitching . I dont like the linkages ! but they are now acceptable. The scabbard shows wear under the silver weaving probably termite in places.. and I think there's glue holding the weave together but it will last a few more years then maybe a refit. :shrug:

A couple of Royal Khanjars to compare. Sheherazad really set a standard with this very ornate hilt and it was only the hilt that she re modelled. The scabbard is or was a typical design of what was the Muscat Khanjar. Indian design is prevalent in her hilt pattern to brighten up the day of her husband; Saiid Sultan ...also known as Saiid the Great...Thus was born The Saiidi Khanjar...or The Royal Khanjar. in about 1830.

Generally I tend to advise collectors to avoid this style as it is the one most copied for the tourist and gift market but in one picture here you can see that this is a serious Khanjar outlet with rows of weapon parts for buyers to see.

THE COLOUR RANGE IN ZRAF HINDI HILTS.

These two OMANI khanjars illustrate the colour range of Giraffe Horn. The material accepts silver pins without cracking and is now often seen on these weapons despite the danger of the diminishing of animals in the wild. :shrug:

Blades are an interesting subject these days with all manner of items entering the system ...the incidence of wootz looking blades is on the increase from as far afield as Russia... and simply called Russi.

This Omani Khanjar displays a famous pattern internationally renowned from the Scottish Paisley Tie design taken from the Indian "Miri Bota" leaf pattern as in the textile displayed below.

I would probably have the blade cleaned up and the dark marks on the cuff polished off or cleaned with toothpaste..The hilt is Giraffe.. :shrug:

Silver goes almost black with age and patina ..This one is developing age nicely ...but dont worry as it quickly returns after cleaning ... Heres a Rhino Hilt on a well balanced Khanjar set up.

At last a sensible alternative to Rhino and Giraffe .OLIVE WOOD..Discovered as a brilliant hilt for Khanjars; accepting dense silver pins and a beautiful polish ...In a report in The Oman Observer 27/01/2018 Ray Petersen stated;
Quote"The wood of the olive tree, known by its botanical name of Olea Europaea, has become the latest ‘must have’ men’s fashion accessory according to Nizwa silver craftsman, and businessman, Daoud Al Tiwani. Due to restricted supplies of ivory and horn, in particular, Tiwani was drawn to using olive wood in the manufacture of his business’s amazing traditional khanjars quite by accident. He was using some windfall olive wood for traditional canes when he discovered tone of the polishing processes offered an astounding depth of color and emphasized the grain, which is the natural pattern and direction of the wood, to an amazingly appealing degree."Unquote.

Hizam ...or... Hizak. The name of the Khanjar Belt.

Its a while since we looked at Khanjar belts and the predominant pattern on silver stitched on leather styles with rectangles filled with geometric little squares being illustrated below. :shrug:

A good short write up on Omani Khanjars and a few of its makers is at https://www.thenational.ae/arts-cult...-made-1.834999

I bring to the table what looks like Elephant Tusk. But it isn't.
This is a composite material like high density plastic...Here its
called Ameriki… A clue to where it is made...and a great
substitute for Elephant (Fils) :shrug:

The real stuff looks like this..

Zraff al Hindi IS THE OMANI Arabic for what is in fact African Giraffe. This material takes a lot of pins and when there were plentiful of that species running wild it was thought of as an excellent material.. It is endangered now thus should and is protected. There are superb hardwoods available instead such as Sandalwood and Olive which fit the bill for quality and accepting pins. Giraffe does not reflect light and has a rather dull reaction thus in my view another good reason to go for the alternatives. :shrug:

Rhino is easy to spot as a powerful mobile fone light shows it up immediately. See below the reaction to light and what it looks like with no illumination. :shrug: Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

This "4 ringer" arranged on a Giraffe horn hilt (Zraff Hinde) actually African Giraffe. The silver pins applied in a parallel lines with two tramlines of pins running around the perimeter of the work and the lines quite uniform. Please see 302 for a similar set up. :shrug: Ibrahiim al Balooshi.