The Manding sword, the Tuareg aljuinar and Omani curved kattara: Are they connected?

[Jim McDougall]

For many years I wondered about the distinctive curved sabre of the Manding of Mali and contiguous Saharan regions, and if they could possibly have been somehow influenced by the open (without guard) cylindrical type hilts of the Omani saif (kattara).

It seemed there was little interest in the idea, and years later (2016)there was a thread begun seeking the origins and age of the Manding sabre, but again no real progress. It seems the idea of Omani influence was dismissed as there was no evidence of Omani trade extending as far as the Sahara, though in some degree in East Africa with slaving and ivory.


Still if we consider that influences in material culture, religion, and weaponry can be transmitted via networks and interaction in trade centers via the relay factor, then possibilities of diffusion even in absence of persons of other regions with whom they are associated become feasible.


While the 'open' and somewhat cylindrical hilt of the Manding sabre is of course more locally represented, and with a sphere as a pommel it remains in my view mindful of the Omani curved kattara.


Also of interest is that among Tuareg tribes according to findings by Lee Jones in his field research in the Sahara, there were instances of curved blade takouba referred to as 'aljuinar'.
Is it possible these suggest transmission of curved blades, presumably European, from points eastward via trade routes, and perhaps having Omani curved kattara among them?


Also, the distinctive flared scabbard tip, which is characteristic in many if not most kaskara from Darfur and other Sudanese regions, seems to appear characteristically on these Manding swords. While the possibility of any connection is typically summarily dismissed, why are these so consistant on Manding swords, but not seen elsewhere but Sudan?
Is such a pecularity likely to be convergently developed?



It does not seem that the Manding sabre is of particularly early period and seems more likely a product of mid 19th c. They seem most often to be mounted with French cavalry sabre blades, or in some cases with Solingen sabre blades, whose availability in 19th c. colonial and trade activity would support. The Manding were of course among the Mande peoples in the Mali general regions who were primaries in the trade activities there.


It is interesting that the Manding seem to have worn these sabres as a kind of badge of office or prestigious stature much in the manner the curved Omani kattara was worn. It does seem possible that such a convention might have carried through the interaction of traders via the conduit of these networks just as with goods and other matters.


Any ideas on if there might be connections in these loosely similar cases with these sword types?

The bottom photo is of a Manding with what appears an early 19th c. German blade.
The figure wearing the Manding sabre is wearing it much in the manner many Sudanese wear the kaskara….just noting.
The map is focused on West Africa but illustrates the geographic scope tribally of these people.
Mostly the Manding sabres are associated with Timbuktu and Mali (in upper right) and environs in those Saharan regions.
There are 'open' and somewhat cylindrical hilts known in Sierra Leone and others, with some of these swords having three central fuller straight blades like kaskara….again reflecting some sort of influence from the 'east' and Sudan.

[CharlesS]

There is quite literally a geographical crescent encompassing the Manding to Oman. Islam and trade tie the entire region together. Remember Mansa Musa traveled all the way from Timbuktu to Mecca for his haj with an entourage of thousands in the 14th century. I think it is absolutely logical to see a geographical and cultural precedent for a connection between the blades of these cultures. I believe the influence, in this case, would have flowed primarily from east to west.

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you so much Charles! I had not thought of that key instance and while obviously much earlier than the time period of these sabres, it surely sets the precedent. Now to more research

[kahnjar1]

Interesting thread Jim. There is no doubt that the hilt style of Manding swords closely resembles those of Oman. Trade in the "early days" no doubt would have had some bearing on similarity of styles.
I have attached a pic of a Manding sword which I have. While the blade is quite short, and straight, the hilt is guardless and resembles very closely those of Oman.
Stu

[CharlesS]

Jim,

Here is a map to help corroborate your thesis/inquiry. Unfortunately, it does not extend as far as Oman, but the route to Arabia is clearly shown.

[CharlesS]

This map is more extensive and shows the trade routes as known/established during the time of the Abbasids.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Interesting thread Jim. There is no doubt that the hilt style of Manding swords closely resembles those of Oman. Trade in the "early days" no doubt would have had some bearing on similarity of styles.
I have attached a pic of a Manding sword which I have. While the blade is quite short, and straight, the hilt is guardless and resembles very closely those of Oman.
Stu

Thank you Stu!
This curious similarity has perplexed me for many years, and I could never really get a good 'read' on the idea of sort of 'connecting the dots'. Now with this being a very well seasoned venue of weapons investigation thanks to all the years we have all worked together on these mysteries....we are much better at getting to the bottom of them.

This straight version of these West African swords which has of course similarities to the Manding, but has the kaskara like blade (central three fullers). These I have thought associated with straight blade swords of Sierra Leone (often termed 'slavers swords' from the 'slave coast'). The leather work of Manding character seems to often broaden the geographic scope of these similar but slightly varied types.
I added a picture of one of these with the three fuller blade from 2008...…...in the thread I got a good chuckle from our late friend Vandoo…..when he quipped it looked like the sword of Karis from "The Mummy" because of the mummified wrap.

Charles thank you again for these most helpful maps and photos, which really get us in line with much of the Omani sector which Ibrahiim has noted as well. This is all as I mentioned, key in connecting the dots literally across Africa in looking into the relationships of these varying swords.

[CharlesS]

Ibrahim,

The photo of Tibu Tib is awesome, but I not a fan of your second posted pic. That one imho is too stylized and doesn't represent hardly a pretense of accuracy in the weapons depicted, and probably not much better with the people. In fact, the sword in the hand of the fellow to the lower left could practically be a samurai sword! Even the super rare Madagascar round-ish shield(which is what I am assuming he is attempting to render here) is poorly done.

Like you, am thrilled to see this topic pop up as well!