The Saudi Dojan Khanjar

[A.alnakkas]

So in order to dismiss much of the misinformation regarding a rather interesting style of dagger I decided to write a little of the information I gathered thus far.

- the modern name of this dagger is dojani, as currently named by its wearers and as it was called since the 50's. Origin of the name is derived from an accented pronounciation of a famous dagger/sword maker, AbdulMajid alDajani (and sons... and cousins :-))

- the style is not worn by any particular tribe. But its quite favoured by Southern Saudi Arabians (with the Omanis and Yemenis having their own famed styles)

- it has variants, such as alduda style which only differs in the filigree formation on the silver parts.

-The style is not strict to the south in its current and modern use.

-makers in the Hijaz area (as far as Madina) and Alhasa are the main area of production. With AlHasa makers having a higher reputation of making the finest daggers. Some Saudis travel to Oman to make such daggers as custom orders. It is supposedly cheaper.

- some are made by skilled Indian workers. Direct copies of those made by their traditional Arab counterparts.

- the style is without any doubt has similarities to various Omani styles. But the closest to what can be considered its predecessor was a style worn in Hijaz (abundant in my collection and images will be shared soon) but have influenced the dagger styles to regions as far as Ha'il. Its near identical to the dojani, but wit minimum curve and a different style of wire wrap over the cloth/leather amidst the scabbard.

- famous makers of the style by region are:

Hijaz:
Almarri workshop
AlHawashi workshop
Almadani workshop (in Madina)
Alshehri workshop (Khamis Mushait)

AlHasa and Hafouf (the workshops all belong ti related families):
AlEssa workshop (still working)
AlDajani workshop (supposedly a member is still working, the son if Abdulmajid)


Riyadh:
Various Indian makers
AlSufayyan (retired)

The example shown the one on the right is made by AbdulMajid alDajani and the brighter one on the left is from AlHawashi workshop.

Non are made by mythical flower tribes.