The Omani Khanjar, also known as the Omani dagger, is a traditional weapon and symbol of the Omani people. It is a curved, single-edged blade mounted on a handle, typically made of silver and decorated with intricate designs. The Khanjar is not only a weapon but also a symbol of pride, power, and honour in Omani culture.
The importance of the khanjar can be seen prominently in different aspects of Omani life. Not only is it depicted in the Omani flag, but it is also printed on banknotes and is a big part of textbooks — its history is noted down to ensure that the knowledge is passed on from generation to generation.
The Khanjar consists of several parts, each of which has a distinct purpose and significance. The blade is typically single-edged and curved, giving it a distinctive look that is instantly recognizable as an Omani Khanjar. The blade is the most prominent part of the Khanjar and is made from high-quality steel. Royals usually infused their daggers with silver and gold to differentiate them from the rest of the citizens.
The handle of the Khanjar is also an important part of the weapon and is typically made from silver or another precious metal. Over time, khanjar handles can also be made out of ivory, rhinoceros horn, or elephant tusk. Other materials like wood or plastic are also used to reduce their price. The handle is often decorated with intricate designs and patterns, which reflect the craftsmanship and artistry of the maker. The third and last part of the Omani khanjar is the sheath.
The shape of the Omani khanjar is distinguishable among Arabian daggers. Even though it is unknown when the khanjar was created, engraves of Omani daggers were found on top of mountains of northern Oman.
In 1672, Robert Padbrugge of the Dutch Republic made a journey to Muscat, mentioning the khanjar in his book. In old Oman, men used to wear khanjar as a form of protection in a belt around their waists.
The importance of the Omani Khanjar in the history and culture of Oman cannot be overstated. The Khanjar has been a part of Omani society for centuries and has played a significant role in the country's history. In the past, the Khanjar was used as a weapon of self-defence and a symbol of power. It was also used as a tool for negotiating and settling disputes, as well as a symbol of hospitality and generosity. Today, the Khanjar remains an important part of Omani culture and is often presented as a gift to guests and visitors. It also became a staple of the Omani men's national dress often worn in public during official occasions like Eid, funerals, and weddings.
The Omani Khanjar is classified into five different types based on style and design. Al Saidi Khanjar, Al Dahra Khanjar, Dhofari Khanjar, Sharqiyah Khanjar, and Batinah Khanjar are among them. Al Saidi Khanjar is a rare Khanjar that dates back to the 19th century and is mostly worn by the Al Busaidi tribe in Oman. It is distinguished by geometrical designs with floral patterns. Al Dahra Khanjar is an 18th-century sword with a horn hilt and intricate silver wirework. Its sheath is also made of leather and silver ribbons. The Dhofar Khanjar is found only in the Dhofar region of southern Oman, and it is influenced by the Yemeni dagger known as Janbiyah.
In addition to its functional aspects, the Khanjar is also rich in symbolism. The curved blade of the Khanjar represents the crescent moon, which is a symbol of Islam. The crescent moon is also a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and fertility in Omani culture, and it is believed that the Khanjar brings these blessings to its owner. The handle of the Khanjar is also symbolic and is often decorated with patterns that represent the owner's family, tribe, or community. These patterns are meant to show the owner's connection to their heritage and traditions and are a source of pride and honour.
Muhammad Al Shaaili, an Omani photographer, has used his Canon 6Dii camera to take photos of the different types of Omani daggers. He said that documenting these different designs took about four months of research as well as continuous movement between regions of Oman to photograph daggers.
"I focused on the authenticity of the dagger, and there was always discussion about the age of the dagger, its main source, and the process of its creation,” Muhammad shared.
He added, “The experience of photographing Omani daggers was certainly enjoyable by which I got new information about Omani daggers and I got to know many of the owner's anecdotes.”
Muhammad said that his own journey of being a photographer has opened his eyes to the richness of Oman's history as well as the beauty of its customs and traditions.
"Oman is rich and diverse when it comes to the environment and culture and its customs, traditions, and crafts make it stand out from a lot of countries. With this diversity, Oman is truly an epic place for photographers as a destination," he said.
Muhammad said that for all budding photographers, his message is that they should pursue their passion with always that core value of raising the name of Oman and helping document the important customs and traditions which bridge the past and the present.
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