OMANI MEN FASHION

              OMANI MEN                                                             

The national dress for Omani men is a simple, ankle-length, collarless gown with long sleeves called the dishdasha. The colour most frequently worn is white, although a variety of other colours such as black, blue, brown and lilac can also be seen. Its main adornment is a tassel (furakha) sewn into the neckline, which can be impregnated with perfume. Underneath the dishdasha, a plain piece of cloth covering the body is worn from the waist down. Omani men may wear a variety of head dresses. The muzzar is a square of finely woven woollen or cotton fabric, wrapped and folded into a turban. Underneath this, the kummar, an intricately embroidered cap, is sometimes worn. The shal, a long strip of cloth acting as a holder for the khanjar (a silver, hand-crafted knife or dagger) may be made from the same material as the muzzar. Alternatively, the holder may be fashioned in the form of a belt made from leather and silver, which is called a sapta. On formal occasions, the dishdasha may be covered by a black or beige cloak, called a bisht. The embroidery edging the cloak is often in silver or gold thread and it is intricate in detail. Some men carry the assa, a stick, which can have practical uses or is simply used as an accessory during formal events. Omani men, on the whole, wear sandals on their feet.

Omani National Dress for Men   
                 The national dress for men in Oman is an ankle-length, collarless gown with long sleeves called the dishdasha. The most prominent color for this dress is white though other colors can also be seen. It is adorn with a tassel called furakha or karkusha sewn into the neckline. It is scented with perfume or frankincense. Underneath the dishdasha, a plain piece of cloth is worn that covers the lower part of body.

The most noted regional differences in dishdasha designs are the style with which they are embroidered. Embroidery also varies according to age group with more detail included for the younger generation. On formal occasions, the dishdasha is covered by a black or beige cloak called bisht. The embroidery edging the cloak is often in silver or gold thread and it is intricate in detail.

Omani man's costume is not complete without the headdress and khanjar ( silver, handcrafted knife or dagger). There are two types of headdresses for men, i.e., muzzhar and kummah. The muzzhar is a square of finely woven woolen or cotton fabric wrapped and folded into a turban. It is generally of single color decorated with various embroidered patterns and worn for official engagements and the workplace. The kummah is an intricately embroidered cap worn during leisure hours. Traditionally, kummah is hand-embroidered and comes in a multitude of colors and styles.

The shal is a long strip of cloth that is tied around the waist to hold the khanjar. It may be made from the same material as the muzzhar. The holder may be designed in the form of a belt made from leather and silver called a sapta.

The Khanjar                           The curved dagger, the khanjar is a distinguishing feature of the Omani personality as well as an important symbol of male elegance. It is traditionally worn at the waist. The shape of the khanjar is always the same and is characterised by the curve of the blade and by the near right- angle bend of the sheath. Sheaths may vary from simple covers to ornate silver or gold-decorated pieces of great beauty and delicacy. In thepast the silver khanjars were made by melting down Marie Theresa silver coins. Different types of khan jars are named after the regions in which they are made and vary according to size, shape, type of metal and the overlay. The top of the handle of the most usual khanjar is flat but the "Saidi" type, which takes its name from the Ruling Family, has an ornate cross-shaped top.  However, all possess certain common features and have the same components:       • The hilt may be made of costly rhinocerous horn or substitutes such as        sandalwood and marble.       • The blade determines the value of the khanjar according to its strength and         quality.     • The sadr, or upper part of the sheath, is decorated with silver engraving,     • The sheath , the most striking part of the khanjar, is worked with silver threads.                          Khanjars are supported on belts of locallymade webbing, sometimes interwoven with     silver thread or belts of leather covered by finely woven silver wire with handsome silver  buckles, and a knife with an ornate handle of silver thread is often stuck into a simple leather pouch behind the sheath.Khanjars are worn on formal occasions and at feasts and holidays, and almost all Omani men boast one . Once worn in self-defence, the khanjar is today both a fashion accessory and a prestige item much in demand.