Sudanese Kaskara for Comment

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Ian

Jim and Ed, thanks for bringing your expertise to this thread. I would also like to point out Ed's detailed essays on the kaskara that can be found on the Ethnographic Arms and Armor Home Page of this site, under "Africa." This is important reading for all who are interested in the kaskara.

Absolutely Ian, and I was remiss in not mentioning those, which honestly furnished some of the most important detail on the production of kaskara and their characteristics with variations. What I learned from his field research on these gave me sound foundation with which to proceed in further study.
They are a must for anyone interested in the kaskara!

[Edster]

Ian and Jim, thanks. Ah shucks, it weren't nothin!!

But seriously, that kind of research was why I finally pursued anthropology at age 40 after watching Iranian craftsmen during the Peace Corps some 18 years before. We all can appreciate and celebrate your two's passion for digging deep into the ethnographic realms.

And a special thanks to Lee and Ian without whose editing skills the documents would never have seen the light of day.

Best,
Ed

[kahnjar1]

Thank you Gentlemen for your information and input. I really appreciate your comments regarding this sword, and particularly to Jim for the History surrounding it.
With regards to the scabbard, is it lizard or snake?
Regards Stu

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Thank you Gentlemen for your information and input. I really appreciate your comments regarding this sword, and particularly to Jim for the History surrounding it.
With regards to the scabbard, is it lizard or snake?
Regards Stu

Im really glad I could help Stu, it a fascinating example!
The hide if I am not mistaken is the 'monitor lizard' or Waran (genus Varanus, Ar, =varan, lizard)., which is apparently quite totemic along with the crocodile in the Sudan.

The material I am referring to on thuluth is mostly from research as I had the opportunity to work with Professor Allan Roberts, of the University of California who edited the book, "Striking Iron: The Art of African Blacksmiths" , UCLA, 2018.
His paper was titled "For Whose Eyes Were They: Calligraphic Blades of Mahdist Sudan", and describes the deep religious imbuement in the inscriptions on these blades, and how important they were in the native beliefs and use.

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

With regards to the scabbard, is it lizard or snake?
Regards Stu

Normaly they are varan/big lizards, sometimes crocodiles, but yours is a boa.