VERY Unusual Marks on a Kaskara

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Michael Blalock

That's a very nice sword. That continuous taper is also unusual for Kaskaras. Keep in mind that there were many jews nearby Ethiopia where this blade may have come from and there was also a jewish community in Khartoum, no doubt of artisans and traders.

Excellent and very astute observations Michael, thank you, and thought it a good idea to look further into the possibilities as well. As you note, there was an Jewish ethnic group in Ethiopia whom I found have become known as the Falashas, however they are more preferably called by thier name for themselves, the Beta Israel.

This group were largely artisans and craftsmen and apparantly locally regarded rather derisively in a caste oriented perspective, with the term 'falasha' having a meaning something like 'outcasts' in Ge'ez, the early language in Ethiopia. They were apparantly blacksmiths for the Christian rulers in then Abyssinia, and as such of course did make some weapons and mount blades traded into the regions. It does seem that culturally this kind of regard was often held toward blacksmiths in many cases.
It is noted that the area they were largely situated in was mostly around Gondar.

The presence of a Jewish community in Khartoum is not surprising, and it is well known that Jewish artisans and smiths were present in Morocco as well, and often were present on many trade caravans across the Sahara. Despite these pronounced presences, it is doubtful that the Magen David appeared on weapons marked as Jewish symbols in my opinion.

Though the kaskara is known in Ethiopia, particularly in Danakil regions and in Eritrea, I am personally not familiar with any actually made in Ethiopia nor by the Beta Israel. It is known that many trade blades from England of course did have the familiar Star of Solomon (usually in the Wilkinson proof stamp surround) as well noted by Teodor, and the Lion of Judah was typically on the blades, but I dont know of any marked in this double stamped manner.


As always, looking for other variations, exceptions.

All the best,
Jim

Teodor, thank you for the kind note on my comments as well

[stephen wood]

...thank you all very much for your interest and comments.

I have just realized that I bid on this sword some months ago when it was part of a lot with a figure-of-eight Cutlass - listed as "Two old swords, one reproduction" (or words to that effect). I noticed the unusual marks but bidding started high and I didn't get it. I even thought of trying to contact the buyer as I assumed they were not interested in the Kaskara...

...they weren't, and it turned up, looking slightly cleaner, in another auction.

As far as I can tell the marks appear to be quite equally worn - applied at the same time.

The other two "star" marks below are firstly, acid etched on an old, very flexible European blade, mounted, it would seem, as a Kaskara (Anthony North agreed that it was older than we are used to seeing mounted as such and suggested an Italian, possibly Venetian origin). The other what might be a late 19th/early 20th century commercial mark - I have only seen this mark twice before.

[Jim McDougall]

To the wind!

I am always grateful to Stephen for posting such intriguing examples of the kaskara, and the opportunity to do research to learn more on them, in particular of course the markings. Though there are not many out there who choose to follow this field, or at least, who make themselves known to us, I enjoy seeking as much as I can find and sharing it here.

I think with this example, most unusual with this pentagram star, there may be a great deal of apprehension in coming forward with suggestions. Beyond the most obvious, which is the almost cliche' associations of these kinds of stars to varying aspects of occultism, there are distinct associations to certain symbolism aligned with Islam. Like many, if not most, symbols, interpretation depends on those who interpret them, and which application appears correct.

Although I cannot claim any authority or expertise in these subjects, I am willing to research as much as I can, and try to add suggestions. I have indeed spent many hours looking through what resources I could to move forward with these, and hopefully at least provide a direction for thoughts on this unusual marking. Naturally, my writing is seldom brief, so for the intrepid readers who do chose to do so, I thank you.

When this kaskara was first posted last August by Stephen (as linked) it was noted that the blade did seem European, and I am inclined to agree with Mr. North, it could well be North Italian, and possibly early 19th century as near as the turn or slightly earlier. Cavalry swords of this period were often long and straight for dragoons, and the fuller extended full blade length to the tip, if I understand correctly was termed 'center point'.
The talismanic grouping of celestial symbols is characteristic and widely used on trade blades, and it is most curious that the sun face is absent, and in particular is the point of discussion...why the pentagram or five point star?

It is worthy of note first of all, that this symbol is by no means isolated to any particular religion, group or idealism and is extremely ancient, as is the six point star. As it appears on a kaskara, with an apparantly earlier European trade blade, and is applied incongruently with acid etching, it would seem to suggest that this was done in the latter 19th century even early 20th. In these times of course, this style of acid etching was well known on kaskaras during the Mahdiya though typically with thuluth style etching of Islamic script.

The star itself is of interlaced character, and remarkably similar to the device in the center of the Moroccan flag. While this had formerly been a six point star, it was changed by Royal Dahir (decree) on 17 Nov 1915. The reason for the change is unclear, however it is plausibly suggested that it may have been to represent the Five Pillars of Islam. Naturally this may be disputed as there are various perspectives since the actual meaning was not specified in the decree. It is interesting that this type star is termed the Seal of Solomon much as is the six point star.

Obviously, the kaskara is not known to have ever been used as far west as Morocco, nor in Algerian regions where the takouba was widely known. This would not preclude however, the adoption of this or other symbols diffused trans Sahara by trade, tribal interaction and Pilgramages eastward.

The political climate in the North Africa post Mahdiya was tumultuous to say the least. As WWI evolved, by 1915 there were complex intrigues taking place between the major powers involved, and most certainly among the tribal groups and Islamic sects and factions throughout regions overall.
The Tuareg rebellions in Saharan regions against French dominion in 1915 and 16 , and concurrent struggles of the Senussi movements against the British and French were in great order fueled by the Ottoman-German alliance. In these years Darfur was powerfully involved, and the sultan, Ali Dinar, was killed by the British in 1916.

I would suggest that this star may have been applied in this fashion as a symbol reflecting the concepts possibly held in the example seen on the Moroccan flag of 1915, suggesting a distinct awareness of the form in the Islamic factions caught up in these geopolitical conflicts. A further thought, and admittedly purely speculative, is that this is placed directly above the crescent moon, and the two symbols are notably present in the Ottoman representation on their flag.

With regard to the stamped star on the other example, I would consider it is most likely a representation of commercial device of early 20th century, and quite possibly taken from British trademarks or symbols during the Sudan occupation. It seems I have read of cases where natives often adopted these symbols and used them talismanically on huts over doors and other similar applications. The influx of British commercial goods would certainly have increased potential for such incidence.

Hoping this information and my suggestions may be useful in bringing forward thoughts or discussion, corrections (by all means!). It is a complex thing trying to read into these markings, and any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

All best regards,
Jim

[Iain]

I have been asked to contribute a few comments to this thread. I will tread lightly as my experience in kaskaras is somewhat less that most of the folks here.

However a few points.

It has been noted the use of the pentagram in Morocco and on their flag. However the pentagram as a symbol is found much closer to potential home of this kaskara - in Ethiopia. The flag of Ethiopia as generally seen is of cross bands of green, yellow and red. However the current flag includes a blue circle with the pentagram marked in yellow. This is not a particularly old design, but certainly shows that the symbol has meaning in Ethiopia.

I think the connection with the seal of Solomon could be key to understanding the use of this symbol. Ethiopia as a whole has a religious and mythical connection with Solomon, maintaining in fact that one of his offspring started the Ethiopian empire.

I am not aware of the pentagram being used in other areas of the Sahara (I checked a few references including Gabus' Symbols of the Sahara) but at the same time...

Solomon has importance in Islam (and various powers are assigned to him such as control over the wind and having Jinns as servants). In fact the ring of Solomon in some legends has the power to control Jinns. Given what we know of talismanic markings applied to kaskara which were supposed to grant powers to the user of the sword, it seems logical to me these marks were intended in much the same way.

So in a way we are back at Ethiopia as a maybe, but I am tending towards thinking it may not have anything to do with Jewish craftsmen or even Ethiopia.

I think the symbol and lore associated with it are well enough established in Islam that combined with the habit of talismanic marks it is quite possible it was applied locally in the Sudan?

Cheers,

Iain

[Jim McDougall]

Excellent observations , thank you so much Iain!!! I hadnt thought of Ethiopia as I had already assumed that the six point star was most likely associated there if at all with the notes on the trade blades from Wilkinson. As I mentioned, these symbols were diffused widely as were many of the blades, so your knowledge on Saharan weapons is emphatically viable regardless which weapon we are looking at.
I really appreciate you adding these comments, and especially for pointing out the Ethiopian use of the star, which seems an even more logical possibility. I agree very much with your notes on talismanic application as well.

All the very best,
Jim

[Iain]

To follow up on this, the sword Steven posted, any idea if the blade is European? It doesn't show the usual signs to me. I usually associated better defined fullers (broad, long etc) with European trade blades.

The pentagram is also used in Hinduism from what I've read. Sign against evil that sort of thing and hung outside homes. I know it's not directly related but given the volume of trade across the Indian ocean, I thought it was worth mentioning.

I'm still leaning towards a seal of Solomon interpretation. The double application of markings seems a pretty common thing with natively applied marks across the Sahel.

Maybe Ed can provide some insight into why various marks are often applied in pairs? I've never heard a definitive answer and it's something that applies to kaskara and other Sahel arms.

EDIT: I'm attaching another star I found on a Sahel weapon, the state sword of Gajere. Clearly Islamic in context and applied at the same time as the rest of the script and floral work.

[stephen wood]

...is that from Nigerian Panoply? Very interesting - always thought that Gajere was Ottoman (although European originally).

I am certain that the blade I posted is not only European but older than we are accustomed to see mounted as a Kaskara. My criteria for judging imported/native blade often shift: Ignaz Pallme (1837) remarks that European blades imported are "badly rounded off". While the quality of the steel may be better, I am by now quite used to seeing wonky fullers on imported blades (and vice-versa). I expect to find more rust on a native blades - especially when kept in their scabbards. This, I should add, is down to observation.

In the case of Takouba many blades are very clearly native-made - indeed there is, I believe, a scale of quality of Takouba blades, at the bottom of which are found local ones. Such a particular scale was also found among the Tigre.