Thursday 14 / November / 2024
Muscat: Omani Khanjar (dagger) makers are already using recycled materials after the government’s ban on using rhino horn came into force, according to a number of people engaged in the industry.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has published the new standard for the Omani Khanjar and reaffirmed a 1994 ban on using rhino horns in the production of khanjars.
Mazin Al Sayagh, from Mahat Al Sayagh, one of the pioneering khanjar producers in the Sultanate, said: “The ban on rhino horn never really affected us as only 5 per cent of the khanjars we make are made from rhino and animal horns.”
“The animal horns we use usually come from other khanjars or antiques. Alternatives to using animal horns on the khanjar include other animal bones, plastic, and wood,” added Al Sayagh.
MoCI has confirmed that using recycled rhino horns in new khanjars is permitted.
According to the World Wildlife Organisation, there are five species of rhinos with various levels of extinction risks.
The Black Rhino is critically endangered with a population of more than 5,000; the Greater One-Horned Rhino is now considered vulnerable with a population of more than 3,000, the Javan Rhino is critically endangered with only 60 individuals, the Sumatran Rhino is also critically endangered with a population of around 100.
“I agree with the decision of banning on the trading of animal’s horns, such as the Rhinoceros, since it is endangered and we all have to cooperate to protect these animals,” added Al Sayagh.
However, because of its rarity, the prices for khanjars made of horns can be very expensive. The khanjars made of rhino horns range from OMR800 to OMR3,000, while khanjars made of ivory have a price range of OMR300 to OMR600.
The ministry also stated that the Omani Khanjar prepared for marketing purposes should bear details of the khanjar and the seal.
“Adding information on the gold caliber and the weight of silver used in the khanjar is important since it adds more credibility,” added Al Sayagh.
