Akhanjar[a] is a traditionaldagger originating from theSultanate of Oman, although it has since spread to the rest of theMiddle East[b],South Asia[c] and theBalkans.[d] 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 popularsouvenir among tourists and is sold insouqs throughout the region. A national symbol of thesultanate, thekhanjar is featured onOman's national emblem and on theOmani rial. It also features in logos and commercial imagery by companies based in Oman.
Although it is not known when the Omanikhanjar was first created,rock carvings epitomizing the dagger were found on gravestones located in the central part of theRu’us al Jibal region. These are believed to have predated theWahhabi revival, which occurred in the late 1700s.[1] They were also mentioned in an account by Robert Padbrugge of theDutch Republic, who journeyed toMuscat in June 1672.[2]
TheOttoman Empire spread further the use of this type of knife. In theBalkans, where it was known asHandschar, such knives were regularly carried by Ottoman policemen, and it remained in local use also after the end of Ottoman rule. During theSecond World War, the knife's name was bestowed on the13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar (1st Croatian), composed ofBosnian Muslims (ethnic Bosniaks) with someCatholic Croat soldiers, the knife also appeared on the division's emblem.The wordخنجر (xandʒar) appears to be thearabized form of thePersian wordخونگر (xūngar).[3]
Depending on the quality of its craftsmanship, the Omanikhanjar can be made using a variety of different metals and other materials. Gold or silver would be used to makekhanjar of the finest quality (e.g. for royalty), whilebrass and copper would be used for daggers made by local craftsmen.[4] 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 theSayyids orHashemites symbolising their status in society.Najeeb Altarfayn Saadah in Oman and Arabia usually carry two of them.[5] 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 akhanjar can range from three weeks to several months.[2]
The most elemental sections of thekhanjar are its handle and blade,[6] with the material used in the former playing a significant role influencing the final price of the dagger.[5]Rhinoceros horn andivory[5] were once the common standard, as it was "considered the best material" to make thehilt out of.[6] However, with the international ban on theivory trade and rhinoceros horn, the usage of other materials such as wood, plastic, and camel bone has become more prevalent.[2][5][6] Typically, the top of the hilt is flat, but the one designed for the royal family is in the shape of a cross.[6]
The Omanikhanjar is tucked underneath a waist belt and is situated at the front and centre of the wearer's body.[7] It used to form part of everyday attire;[8] however, it is now carried as a "ceremonial dagger",[9] and worn only for formal events and ceremonies – such as weddings, parades, meetings, and diplomatic functions – among many other occasions.[2][10] Labelled a "ubiquitous sign of masculinity" by John M. Willis inThe Arab Studies Journal,[11] thekhanjar is a symbol of "manhood, power and authority",[5] as well as serving as a status symbol for the person wearing it.[2][8] As a result, it is sometimes given by families to their sons when they reach adolescence,[8] and is a common wedding gift to the groom.[12]
Although thekhanjar was originally created as a weapon to attack and defend, it is used solely for ceremonial and practical purposes today.[6] The latter situation would occur in the desert, where it is used as a tool for hunting and skinning animals, as well as for slicing ropes.[10] Because of this development, it is now considered a "social taboo" in Oman to pull out one'skhanjar from itsscabbard without blooding it, since the only time men would do this would be to seek vengeance or to defend oneself.[8]
While thekhanjar is most prevalent inYemen where the majority of the Northern men wear it every day. In Oman it is given its symbolic status there,[8] it is also worn by men in theUnited Arab Emirates, forming an integral component of "traditional dress" in those countries.[13][14] It can also be found and is sold in other states inEastern Arabia, such as theSouq Waqif inDoha, Qatar.[15] Thekhanjar is a popular keepsake among tourists,[2] and is the Sultanate's best-selling memento.[16]
As thekhanjar is anational symbol of Oman, it is featured on thesultanate's national emblem.[2][8][17] It has been a symbol on the royal crest of the Al Said dynasty since the 18th century,[5] which subsequently became the national emblem.[7] It is also depicted on theOmani rial[5] – the country's currency – specifically on the one rial note,[18] as well as on postage stamps issued by the sultanate.[2] Furthermore, there are statues ofkhanjar on buildings housinggovernment ministries and at variousroundabouts throughout the country.[2][5]
Thekhanjar was previously shown prominently on the logo[2] and planes[5] ofOman Air – the country'sflag carrier[19] – until it was removed under a rebranding in 2008.[20] The logo ofOmantel also illustrates a stylized khanjar; it was retained in the logotype's motif after the telecommunications company merged with Oman Mobile in 2010.[21] Moreover, the perfume companyAmouage, which is owned by theSultan of Oman and his royal family,[22] incorporates the dagger into the design of its bottles. The cap on itsGold for Men perfume bottle resembles the handle of akhanjar, complementing theGold for Women cap which evokes the dome of Ruwi Mosque.[23]
