The Khanjar

The curved dagger, the khanjar is a distinguishing feature of the Omani personality as well as an important symbol of male elegance. It is traditionally worn at the waist.

The shape of the khanjar is always the same and is characterised by the curve of the blade and by the near right- angle bend of the sheath. Sheaths may vary from simple covers to ornate silver or gold-decorated pieces of great beauty and delicacy. In the
past the silver khanjars were made by melting down Marie Theresa silver coins.
Different types of khan jars are named after the regions in which they are made and vary according to size, shape, type of metal and the overlay. The top of the handle of the most usual khanjar is flat but the "Saidi" type, which takes its name from the Ruling Family, has an ornate cross-shaped top.
However, all possess certain common features and have the same components:

• The hilt may be made of costly rhinocerous horn or substitutes such as
sandalwood and marble.
• The blade determines the value of the khanjar according to its strength and
quality.
• The sadr, or upper part of the sheath, is decorated with silver engraving,
• The sheath , the most striking part of the khanjar, is worked with silver threads.

Khanjars are supported on belts of locallymade webbing, sometimes interwoven with silver thread or belts of leather covered by finely woven silver wire with handsome silver buckles, and a knife with an ornate handle of silver thread is often stuck into a simple leather pouch behind the sheath.

Khanjars are worn on formal occasions and at feasts and holidays, and almost all Omani men boast one.

Once worn in self-defence, the khanjar is today both a fashion accessory and a prestige item much in demand.

Picture About Silver the Traditional Art of Oman

Silver the Traditional Art of Oman

A people’s craft carries the visual clues to a people’s character. and of all its crafts, Oman’s silversmithing tells us of the qualities of those people responsible for it — their taste, their artistry, their skills of workmanship, standards of finish, passion for design in all their artifacts.

Silver is the most natural medium for a nation of ocean-going merchants. What Omanis have for centuries fabricated with their silver tells half their social history — of marriage rites, martial styles, cosmetics and titivation, and of course, personal adornment.

It is no wonder that for the collector of artifacts Omani silver is so prized. And no surprise, also, that - in an age of global mass-manufacture — the silversmiths’ craft in Oman is so venerated and sustained with such vigour.

Ruth Hawley has known and loved the country for over a quarter of a century, and no greater expert exists in the range, style, and technique of Omani silver. Silver: the Traditional Art of Oman is not only invaluable to the collector, but an informing commentary for all those who have learnt to know and delight in Oman.