Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 66:
The traditional battle sword of an Omani warrior is traditionally a curved swordcalled a saif. During the 19th century, a straight sword called the kattara replaced the Arab saif asa traditional Omani sword. However, it is unlikely that the kattara was used extensively as aserious weapon. The kattara is still today utilized as a ceremonial weapon is now almost entirelyassociated with traditional forms of ceremonial dancing at weddings and religious events. The blades of kattara are invariably made of European trade blades or locally made blades made in the European trade blade shape.The blade of this sword was most likely produced in Europe, with a faint stamped mark near the top of the fuller indicating a trade blade. The double edged blade has a short wide fullerrunning roughly ¼ of the length of the blade and with a spatulate tip as is common on these swords. The leather-covered grip tapers continuously to the iron pommel. The crossguard is gently curved with two quillons. Historically, Omani kattaras do not have crossguards, but thecrossguard of the example in the Schmiedt Collection appears original to the mounting and idiosyncratic in form as it has design elements of Sudanese kaskara and may be influenced by those swords, as the Beja exported shields across the Red Sea and potentially swords as well.These kattara swords are especially associated with the traditional form of Omani dance and music, known as funun, originated in the Dhofar mountains in southern Oman. The dances are intended to mimic battle, and the men brandish their jambiyas and kattaras. In the dances with kattaras, men often hold small shields in their left hands so that parrying movements are incorporated in the dance.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 41" Blade Length : 32" References:1. Stone, G. C. (1934). A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms andArmor in All Countries and in All Times. Mineola NY: Dover Publications.2. Elgood, R. (1994) The Arms and Armour of Arabia in the Eighteenth, Nineteenth andTwentieth Centuries, Aldershot, England: Scolar Press3. Spring, Christopher (1993). African arms and armour. British Museum Press.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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