Khanjar - WikiHQ

thumb|200px|An Omani khanjar, 1924

A khanjar is a traditional dagger originating from the Sultanate of Oman. Worn by men for ceremonial occasions, it is a short curved blade shaped like the letter "J" and resembles a hook.

It can be made from a variety of different materials, depending on the quality of its craftsmanship. It is a popular souvenir among tourists and is sold in souqs throughout the region. A national symbol of the sultanate, the khanjar is featured on Oman's national emblem and on the Omani rial. It also features in logos and commercial imagery by companies based in Oman.

History

Although it is not known when the Omani khanjar was first created, rock carvings epitomizing the dagger were found on gravestones located in the central part of the region of the Ru’us al Jibal. These are believed to have predated the Wahhabi revival, which occurred in the late 1700s. They were also mentioned in an account by Robert Padbrugge of the Dutch Republic, who journeyed to Muscat in June 1672.

Usage and symbolism

Composition and manufacturing

thumb|The [[national emblem of Oman featuring the khanjar at the centre]]

Depending on the quality of its craftsmanship, the Omani khanjar can be made using a variety of different metals and other materials. Gold or silver would be used to make khanjar of the finest quality (e.g. for royalty), while brass and copper would be used for daggers made by local craftsmen. For instance, a sheath adorned with gold was historically limited to the Omani upper class. White or Ivory handled and sheathed ones are preferred by the Sayyids or Hashemites symbolising their status in society. Najeeb Altarfayn Saadah in Oman and Arabia usually carry two of them. Traditionally, the dagger is designed by its future owner himself, with the craftsman taking into account the "specifications" and "preferences" stipulated by the former. The time it takes to manufacture a khanjar can range from three weeks to several months. with the material used in the former playing a significant role influencing the final price of the dagger. It used to form part of everyday attire; however, it is now carried as a "ceremonial dagger", and worn only for formal events and ceremonies – such as weddings, parades, meetings, and diplomatic functions – among many other occasions. Labelled a "ubiquitous sign of masculinity" by John M. Willis in The Arab Studies Journal, the khanjar is a symbol of "manhood, power and authority",

Although the khanjar was originally created as a weapon to attack and defend, it is used solely for ceremonial and practical purposes today. It can also be found and is sold in other states in Eastern Arabia, such as the Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar. The khanjar is a popular keepsake among tourists,

Other uses

thumb|The khanjar is depicted on the reverse of the Omani one [[Omani rial|rial note.]]

Official government

As the khanjar is a national symbol of Oman, it is featured on the sultanate's national emblem. It has been a symbol on the royal crest of the Al Said dynasty since the 18th century, as well as on postage stamps issued by the sultanate. – until it was removed under a rebranding in 2008. The logo of Omantel also illustrates a stylized khanjar; it was retained in the logotype's motif after the telecommunications company merged with Oman Mobile in 2010. Moreover, the perfume company Amouage, which is owned by the Sultan of Oman and his royal family, incorporates the dagger into the design of its bottles. The cap on its Gold for Men perfume bottle resembles the handle of a khanjar, complementing the Gold for Women cap which evokes the dome of Ruwi Mosque.

Explanatory notes

References

External links

Khanjar photos at Alain-Dailyphoto Blogspot
Press release () showing the khanjar on Oman Air's old logo