Syrian Khanjar
Arab - Druze
Majdal Shams, Ottoman Syria - French Mandate of Syria (Syria)
First half of the 20th century (ca. 1920 - 1940)
Steel, horn, bone, coral, brass, nacre, plastic, lead or pewter, wood, fabric
Blade: 15,9cm
Hilt & Blade: 27,9cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 30,5cm
Collection Date: 2022
Collection Number: 285

Ex. American Art Market (2022)

A fine khanjar dagger from Syria during the late Ottoman or the early French Madate Period. This example comes from the Druze town of Majdal Shams, or Tower of the Sun, famous for their workshops of steel making blades. The knives are known for their intricate and beautiful patterns of mosaic inlays. They are often known as Majdali daggers by collectors.

The curved, double- edged steel blade presents a series of three central fullers leading to the acute point. The forte is engraved with floral scrollwork on each side.

The hilt is carved from layered segments of goat horn and bone, with a brass ferrule and pommel. The hilt is decorated with mosaic inserts of bone, nacre, pink coral, brass strips, brass nails, and lead or pewter stars representative of the Ottoman Empire. Brass pommel plate, which is finely chiseled with swirling designs.

The sheath with a wooden interior, is covered in a blue fabric with iron mounts nielloed in traditional silver Levant designs. Two iron suspensions rings attached.

A fine khanjar of excellent quality and craftsmanship in traditional Syrian construction. This example displays beautiful vibrant colors, in very good condition, and is complete with its original sheath.

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[1] http://oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=8837

[2] http://oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4232