A Massive and All Business Old Manding Sword

Jim McDougall · 11th November 2017, 09:43 PM

It is always interesting to see the character of weapons reflecting different tribal and cultural in these kinds of hybrid examples.
The hilt style with the distinct knob at capstan of pommel, and the rondel elements , which is of course Manding ; the grip of crocodile belly hide, which is a Sudanese style from Darfur.

The blade appears to be of the 'masri' form which is very much Tuareg and these are typically produced by Hausa swordsmiths in Saharan regions. The rough sharpening practices using stones has taken its toll, with the central fullers now nearly gone, but the blades sharpness reflects the obsession of these constant rugged honings.

The scabbard is Tuareg as well, and it and the blade may have well been rehilted with this interesting composite form. The Manding were the trade merchants in Mali and other contiguous Saharan areas, and the combining of influences and elements coming in and through their areas surely is well seen in this interesting example of hybrid sword.

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11th November 2017, 09:43 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	It is always interesting to see the character of weapons reflecting different tribal and cultural in these kinds of hybrid examples. The hilt style with the distinct knob at capstan of pommel, and the rondel elements , which is of course Manding ; the grip of crocodile belly hide, which is a Sudanese style from Darfur. The blade appears to be of the 'masri' form which is very much Tuareg and these are typically produced by Hausa swordsmiths in Saharan regions. The rough sharpening practices using stones has taken its toll, with the central fullers now nearly gone, but the blades sharpness reflects the obsession of these constant rugged honings. The scabbard is Tuareg as well, and it and the blade may have well been rehilted with this interesting composite form. The Manding were the trade merchants in Mali and other contiguous Saharan areas, and the combining of influences and elements coming in and through their areas surely is well seen in this interesting example of hybrid sword.