Quote:
|
Originally Posted by kahnjar1
Thank you Gentlemen for your information and input. I really appreciate your comments regarding this sword, and particularly to Jim for the History surrounding it.
With regards to the scabbard, is it lizard or snake?
Regards Stu
|
Im really glad I could help Stu, it a fascinating example!
The hide if I am not mistaken is the 'monitor lizard' or Waran (genus Varanus, Ar, =varan, lizard)., which is apparently quite totemic along with the crocodile in the Sudan.
The material I am referring to on thuluth is mostly from research as I had the opportunity to work with Professor Allan Roberts, of the University of California who edited the book, "Striking Iron: The Art of African Blacksmiths" , UCLA, 2018.
His paper was titled "For Whose Eyes Were They: Calligraphic Blades of Mahdist Sudan", and describes the deep religious imbuement in the inscriptions on these blades, and how important they were in the native beliefs and use.