Antique Omani silver and horn Khanjar ceremonial dagger (Jambiya)

*This item can only be shipped to Australian domestic addresses*

Absolutely stunning antique Omani silver and horn khanjar ceremonial dagger. Sometimes confused with jambiya, this ceremonial dagger is a truly rare piece to find, much less in this part of the world. Their highly elaborate patterns and meticulously pieced components speak to their social purpose, hearkening back to the days when much of Omani was ruled by elites from different tribes. Serving a similar ornamental and social purpose as jewellery, these Khanjars were prized by Omani rulers and were worn belted over robes at gatherings, weddings and other ceremonies.

This particular style is Al Nizwani, named after Nizwa which is an important city in the Dakhiliyah region. These larger daggers are a popular style and one is featured on the cover of Ruth Hawley's Omani Silver (Longman, London 1978).

This one is clearly an older example dating from the late 19th century with an aged horn hilt and silver ornamental nails forming a pattern on the T-shaped pommel. The scabbard is decorated with panels of handworked silver in floral repousse scrolls. The standout feature however, which is distinct to khanjar in this region, is the silver woven thread around the 4 ring buckles, the lower part of the scabbard and encircling the belt. The outer rings are mounted on a silver coil, while the central rings are bound with twisted silver wire. The stacked stitching and meticulously layered patterns of the silver wire patterns not just to the belt but also to al mekhalah, the lower part of the scabbard, make this one of the finest khanjar we have come across in our research.

The scabbard’s reverse is covered in leather, most likely goatskin. 

The blade is of steel and is good condition considering age; these blades being largely ceremonial, the blades were not really intended for practical use and should not be evaluated as such.

Price marked at AU$5000. 

Khanjar measurements: 34cm length, 20cm width (across curved part of the blade). Belt length (including khanjar handle) of 89 cm, 35 inches. 

Some wear as shown, slight loss to al mukasar, the boundary between top and bottom part of the scabbard. Overall still good antique condition and certainly excellent for display.