My first kaskara

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you Ibrahiim, and you bring up a very valid point which I had not thought of, the Italian blades associated with schiavona. In considering what sort of European blade this may have been, or modelled after I had forgotten the Italian element. Actually my focus has typically been toward the blades from Solingen which characteristically have dominated the trade blade imports into North Africa, in this case the Sudan.
With Iain and Chris' observations on the ricasso presence it seems likely this could be one of these Italian blades, however Ed's note that the blade may have had the channels added seems plausible as well. Im not too sure from a metallurgy aspect how that is done, but surely it can be.
It should be remembered that the schiavona remained in use far beyond the 17th and 18th century periods to which they are typically assigned. As a traditional weapon they were still being produced or refurbished well into the 19th century.

I agree the dress of this kaskara is very much of the Kasallawi style and probably mounted near the 1940s as suggested. The lozenge pattern and the floral style crosses are favored motif designs typically represented in the silverwork on these hilts. Many of these designs occur in the leatherwork on scabbards and especially the leather straps.

The Sufi presence was well established throughout North Africa and in the Sudan, if I recall correctly especially with the Senussi, who were in Darfur regions and certainly widespread beyond that. Its been some time since I have studied these aspects along with Ali Dinar in Darfur but I do recall the Sufi being a key element in much of this history. It would be interesting to discover more on how the 'ha' letter is used talismanically, and it is well established that this aspect is an important element of Sufi following.

These are the wonders of ethnographic weapons and the things they tell us when investigated and observed forensically, it becomes quite literally an adventure in history with the weapon in focus your guide. It is the part of historic weapons that far exceeds just collecting them, and gratefully there are so many here who share in these interests and in preserving the important history these weapons give us.

Thank you for your always motivating participation and input!

All the best,
Jim

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

With Iain and Chris' observations on the ricasso presence it seems likely this could be one of these Italian blades, however Ed's note that the blade may have had the channels added seems plausible as well. Im not too sure from a metallurgy aspect how that is done, but surely it can be.
Jim

Could be done by grinding at a later date. But I kind of doubt it as that would affect the temper. I think its more likely the fullers are original.

Five fullered blades are known on takouba as well. Don't have access to all my notes at the moment but will have to see what I can dig up on that later.

Cheers,

Iain

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Iain

Could be done by grinding at a later date. But I kind of doubt it as that would affect the temper. I think its more likely the fullers are original.

Five fullered blades are known on takouba as well. Don't have access to all my notes at the moment but will have to see what I can dig up on that later.

Cheers,

Iain

Thank you for that note Iain, I am inclined to agree. I have had a hard enough time trying to grasp cold stamping of marks let alone putting in features I thought were only accomplished at original forging. I think there was something about the five fuller blades along with the note on the three channeled in Briggs perhaps, along with the other notes on 'masri' perhaps as well which were in Rodd.

All the best,
Jim

[Edster]

Jim/Lofti,

Thanks for bring up the possible Sufi connection. The sufi brotherhoods or tariqas (turuq I think is the plural) were/are very popular in the more rural areas. Introduced into the Sudan in the 16th Century from North Africa, the Sahel and Arabia. They provided a mystical and more spiritual response to the more legalistic orientation of orthodox Islam. They have and continue contribute to the power bases and political parties in Sudan and are a major component of Popular Islam. The Mahdi was the head of the Sammaniya brotherhood, but his followers, the Ansar were not sufi in outlook. The Khatamiya were popular among the Hadendawa of Eastern Sudan. The Tijania and Birhaniya also sunk regional roots.

For good period commentaries on the ethnographic, economic and political aspects of post-Mahdist Sudan check out "Sudan Notes and Records". It was published annually from 1918 until the mid-1960s, I think. British administrators were well educated and interested in the countryside and the people who lived there. Actually, British and its off-shoot American sociocultural anthropology arguably had its origin in Sudan. SNR is often difficult to access, but some volumes are available on-line, and the Univ. of Michigan has a subscription service.

I just found this on web site for the letter Ha.

"Ha = h

The sixth letter in the Arab alphabet represents number eight and belongs to the element of earth.

This letter, which symbolizes human intuition, has an esoteric meaning for the Sufis, as it is the first letter of the verb habba (to love): “Inna Allah jameel yuhibbu al-jamaal”, which means “truly God is beautiful and loves beauty”. Thus also the saying: “Habba man habba wakariha man kariha” or “He loves whomsoever He chooses to and He hates whomsoever He wishes to”. The letter ‘ha’ denotes the Essence in terms of appearance, presence and existence.

Shaykh ad-Dabbaagh informs us that the ‘ha’ corresponds to perfect mercy, which is a part of prophecy."

There is supposedly a meaning for each letter.

Regards,
Ed

[Jim McDougall]

Absolutely fantastic information Ed! Thank you so much for sharing that in detail, which truly adds some interesting possibilities for understanding possible intended meanings on these letters on these scabbards. Your comprehensive knowledge and suggested resources on these regions is remarkable , thank you again for all you have contributed here with your paper and continued input.

All the very best,
Jim

[paolo]

Sorry for the delay, but I'm not too familiar with English language, so I had to translate all carefully. The thread seems to me very interesting and useful. Thank You all for the great inputs !
All the best
Paolo

[Jim McDougall]

Paulo, actually you are doing great with the language!
Actually it is us who thank you for showing us a very nice kaskara example which has given us the opportunity to learn and discuss. I hope your collection continues to grow as you clearly have a keen eye for fascinating weapons. Nicely done!

All the best,
Jim