Croco Kaskara

Sajen · 14th October 2010, 12:18 AM

Eric,

first time that I see a sword swallowing crocodile!

But in real, a very unique Kaskara sheat! Congrats for this find!

Regards,

Detlef

Ron Anderson · 14th October 2010, 12:29 AM

Hi

I have seen this sort of hilt on African short swords quite different to this.

One was for sale on a well known ethnographic weapon site on the internet. I would have bought it but know i would have problems from customs importing it

Congratulations. A great acquisition.

eques · 14th October 2010, 02:49 AM

Wow...looks wicked.

Congrats on the new acquisition.

Nathaniel · 14th October 2010, 05:03 AM

Wicked!

laEspadaAncha · 14th October 2010, 06:48 AM

Ridiculously cool. And a nice history/story behind it's acquisition as well...

VANDOO · 14th October 2010, 05:18 PM

IS THE CROCODILE A MALE OR FEMALE? ? THE ANSWER IS ITS A MUMMY

I LIKE THESE ODD AND SOMEWHAT CREEPY ITEMS IT IS CERTIANLY WORTHY TO HANG ON THE WALL AT THE HOME OF THE ADAMS FAMILY OR AT THE MUNSTERS.

VERY APPROPRIATE FOR HALLOWEEN

Jim McDougall · 14th October 2010, 11:56 PM

Hi Eric,
This is probably one of the most unusual configurations of the crocodile themed weapons of Mahdist and post Mahdist Sudan I have seen. In my opinion these are most likely from southern Nilotic regions and Darfur, where the slaving commerce was prevalent in accord with trade routes. I have often thought this decoration was intended to induce fear in those who encountered the warrior or trader wearing the weapon. The crocodile in these areas was not only revered, but dreadfully feared, and these elements of the crocodile on weapons suggested power in the holder of the weapon.

Over many years I have attempted to discuss the relevance of the use of crocodile anatomy on weapons in these times, typically to have suggestions dismissed as 'fanciful' speculation , usually with suggestions that these were made to tantalize tourists etc. I disagree and have seen many provenanced examples that were indeed in use by Mahdist warriors as well as worn later with totemic values aligned with the crocodile material.

The kaskara itself, as noted, appears of Darfur type and the blade most likely of Hausa manufacture with typical fullering and dukari placement.

Nice acquisition Eric!!! definitely out of the ordinary.

All the best,
Jim

ariel · 15th October 2010, 11:52 AM

I am not a vegetarian, but for some reasons these croc scabbards are revolting.

14th October 2010, 12:18 AM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Eric, first time that I see a sword swallowing crocodile! But in real, a very unique Kaskara sheat! Congrats for this find! Regards, Detlef

14th October 2010, 12:29 AM	#2
Ron Anderson Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 228	Hi I have seen this sort of hilt on African short swords quite different to this. One was for sale on a well known ethnographic weapon site on the internet. I would have bought it but know i would have problems from customs importing it Congratulations. A great acquisition.

14th October 2010, 02:49 AM	#3
eques Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 6	Wow...looks wicked. Congrats on the new acquisition.

14th October 2010, 05:03 AM	#4
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Wicked!

14th October 2010, 06:48 AM	#5
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Ridiculously cool. And a nice history/story behind it's acquisition as well...

14th October 2010, 05:18 PM	#6
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	IS THE CROCODILE A MALE OR FEMALE? ? THE ANSWER IS ITS A MUMMY I LIKE THESE ODD AND SOMEWHAT CREEPY ITEMS IT IS CERTIANLY WORTHY TO HANG ON THE WALL AT THE HOME OF THE ADAMS FAMILY OR AT THE MUNSTERS. VERY APPROPRIATE FOR HALLOWEEN

14th October 2010, 11:56 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi Eric, This is probably one of the most unusual configurations of the crocodile themed weapons of Mahdist and post Mahdist Sudan I have seen. In my opinion these are most likely from southern Nilotic regions and Darfur, where the slaving commerce was prevalent in accord with trade routes. I have often thought this decoration was intended to induce fear in those who encountered the warrior or trader wearing the weapon. The crocodile in these areas was not only revered, but dreadfully feared, and these elements of the crocodile on weapons suggested power in the holder of the weapon. Over many years I have attempted to discuss the relevance of the use of crocodile anatomy on weapons in these times, typically to have suggestions dismissed as 'fanciful' speculation , usually with suggestions that these were made to tantalize tourists etc. I disagree and have seen many provenanced examples that were indeed in use by Mahdist warriors as well as worn later with totemic values aligned with the crocodile material. The kaskara itself, as noted, appears of Darfur type and the blade most likely of Hausa manufacture with typical fullering and dukari placement. Nice acquisition Eric!!! definitely out of the ordinary. All the best, Jim

15th October 2010, 11:52 AM	#8
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I am not a vegetarian, but for some reasons these croc scabbards are revolting.