The production of Omani khanjar may sound easy. For the uninitiated, production may only come as getting silver materials and shaping them into khanjars, but talking with numerous khanjar producers in Oman demonstrated that the process is very complex and that not a lot of people truly understand.
The khanjar holds profound significance as a representation of belonging, masculinity, and chivalry believed to be an essential component of a man's identity. Within the Sultanate of Oman, various types of daggers bear names tied to their places of origin. Among these are the coastal, the Suri, the northern, and the Saidi, designated as the exclusive dagger for members of the ruling family.
The aesthetic design and engravings cast in silver and precious metals are creatively evident in the smooth curvature of the Omani dagger, and the elegance of this folkloric craft, which dates back a few thousand years.
Added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco) List of World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Arts, Abdullah Al Sayegh, one of those working in the manufacture of Omani daggers in the Wilayat of Sur, explained that the dagger is made up of several components, starting with the obliterating rings, which are the basis for connecting the dagger between the cutter and chest areas, and the collar, which is the part on which the dagger blade is mounted. The blade also contains a horn, which is usually taken from an animal.
Hamyar bin Hamad Al Amri, one of the owners of dagger shops in Muscat Governorate, explained that the Omani dagger is a traditional folk inheritance that the Omanis are always proud of, and it is the emblem of the state.
Al Amri added that creating a khanjar also means working with different materials such as wood, silver, leather, and many types of horns, such as rhinoceros, giraffes, elephants, and cow horns, which add a layer of complexity to the production.
Modern challenges to Khanjar production
Beneath the surface of its ornate design lies a complex web of challenges that confront Omani khanjar manufacturers.
Both Al Sayegh and Al Amri shared that having been in the industry for quite some time made them aware of the numerous issues that they and their peers face.
Khanjar production is a labour-intensive process, with artisans dedicating anywhere from 20 to 40 days to create a single dagger. This meticulous attention to detail ensures the quality and authenticity of each piece but poses challenges in meeting market demand and maintaining a consistent supply.
The khanjar's exquisite design incorporates a variety of materials, including rare woods, precious metals like silver, and animal horns sourced from rhinoceros, giraffes, and elephants. The escalating prices of these materials present a financial hurdle for manufacturers, impacting the affordability and accessibility of these cultural artefacts.
While some advocate for preserving the khanjar's traditional craftsmanship and design, others propose modern adaptations to appeal to contemporary tastes. Striking a balance between tradition and innovation is essential to honour the khanjar's cultural significance while adapting to evolving consumer preferences.
As the demand for khanjars grows, so too does the risk of counterfeit products flooding the market. Establishing trust and authenticity through transparent manufacturing processes and stringent quality control measures is imperative to safeguarding the integrity of Omani craftsmanship.
Al Amri also pointed out that many younger Omanis no longer know how to preserve the khanjar which usually are expensive, especially the best quality ones saying that ensuring the longevity of the khanjar requires careful preservation techniques, including storing the dagger in specialized wooden boxes away from moisture and sunlight. However, educating consumers about proper preservation methods and encouraging adherence to these practices remains a challenge, risking the degradation of these cherished heirlooms.
Preserving the tradition
Abdullah Al Sayegh stressed that the Omani dagger is worn on special occasions, as it rests tied at the waist of the man with a belt made of leather and decorated with silver, just as it is located on the flag of the Sultanate of Oman as an emblem of the state.
Al Amri pointed out that the dagger is worn in the middle of the abdomen, and it is better when wearing the dagger for the dishdasha to be white, and for the fabric to be somewhat heavy. He added the dishdasha must also be folded inward so that it is suitable for placing the dagger.
Al Amri shared as well that depending on the location, Omanis have their preferences explaining that there are different types of daggers.
"There are up to six types, and each type branches into other shapes, the largest of which is Al-Nazwaniyah, followed by Al-Batiniyah Al-Sahel, then Al-Saidiyah, followed by Al-Suriyyah, which is considered the smallest in size, and Al-Sadhiyah, which is specific to Dhofar Governorate, and is similar to the Yemeni jambiya. For a person to avoid fraud, he must Purchase it from trusted stores, whose owners are Omanis themselves."
Yousef bin Saeed Al Rawahi, an avid fan and user of Omani khanjar, pointed out that the dagger is a national identity and a symbol of pride and honour in a great historical legacy.
He said, "I prefer wearing the classic traditional dagger, without additions. I like daggers in their traditional shape but as of late, many dagger producers are departing from these traditional shapes and have been using different colours with some modernising them and incorporating a lot of other colours.
Al Rawahi said while there are modernisation happening, the old styles are the best way to preserve tradition. He also advises purchasing daggers from reliable manufacturers found in areas like Sur, Nizwa, or Al Khaboura.
"Each state has a historical legacy, and the expertise of the makers is showcased in this artisanal production," he said.
Al Amri shared that best-made khanjars do come with hefty prices because of the details as well as the time that it takes to produce one item, but shared that they are worthwhile investments.
For Al Sayegh, "There are many Omanis who buy daggers, and they often buy them during holidays. As for people who have occasions and do not have daggers, they go to some shops to rent them, because they are unable to buy them because they are expensive."
Al Sayegh added that, from his manufacture, "the most famous daggers are the Saidi daggers, the same ones worn by the ruling family."
He also noted that there are also lots of tourists buying khanjar, especially the Gulf tourists while he does notice a few foreign tourists buying as souvenirs.
"Repeat buyers are usually people who have positions in government because they frequently use it in meetings and events, as well as people from the wealthy class, and elderly sheikhs whose sitting rooms are always full of visitors."
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