Got a Kaskara, & thoughts about Giraffes

Edster · 27th October 2021, 03:07 PM

Yep, one and the same Ed. Also you may like the three papers I wrote on Kaskara available on the Forum's Geographical Index under Africa.
http://vikingsword.com/ethsword/

Yes, the weld seam as you show. The flat pre-form is explained in the papers on cross guards.

Any kind of "leather food" with lanolin will work on the scabbard.

The metal piece at the top of the scabbard is likely aluminum. The one at the bottom is a replacement.

Regards,
Ed

Jim McDougall · 27th October 2021, 05:32 PM

What an interesting post and kaskara Joe!
I had never been aware of giraffes being hunted with kaskara, not being especially familiar with big game hunting in the first place. It does appear that the regions of S. Sudan and into Ethiopian regions of course were well exposed to the kaskara.
I once knew a gentleman from Eritrea who was Beja, and shared with me videos of his tribal group doing ceremonial dances with kaskara.

I think Ed has put together the most comprehensive and insightful material on the kaskara's history and construction, including into modern times that is known on these swords.
With ethnographic weapons, as in these cases, they need not be 'old' to be collectible and fascinating. It has always amazed me that edged weapons remained in use in native contexts well through the 20th century.

As Ed suggested, I use a lanolin based oil for restoring dried out leather (the same as I use on my old bomber jacket) and it is amazing to see the results.

JoeCanada42 · 28th October 2021, 02:16 AM

Thanks for sharing all the good info Ed,
Hi Jim, Thanks for dropping in, glad to hear from ya.
good stuff, I got lots to read,
would be cool to stumble upon some obscure giraffe stuff lol.

Philip · 31st October 2021, 09:59 PM

Hey Joe,
Congrats on getting a very clean, compleat example that's right as rain! So much nicer than many that you see out there.

My only suggestion is that you resist the temptation to carry the thing when you visit the zoo.
Philip

JoeCanada42 · 3rd November 2021, 12:31 PM

Haha lol!, that was a good laugh, and thanks for the compliments on the sword.

Edster · 12th November 2021, 01:16 AM

Joe,

In pursuit of your interest in giraffe hunting I dug up an article on the subject. But first the Alamy pics you show have it all wrong. No swords or camels involved. Runned down on horseback and hamstrung with a spear.

Great and detailed article by Ian Cunnison. Giraffe Hunting Among the Humr, Sudan Notes and Records V.39 (1958). Available via Jstor if this link doesn't work.
file:///Users/edhunley/Downloads/SNR%20V.39%20Cunnison,%20G.%20Hunting.pdf

Also, a lesser article by R. Davies of same group. SNR, V.2 1919. ELEPHANT AND GIRAFFE HUNTING IN THE HOMR TRIBE (SOUTH-WEST KORDOFAN.

Take care,
Ed

12th November 2021, 01:16 AM	#6
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 411	Giraffe Hunting Joe, In pursuit of your interest in giraffe hunting I dug up an article on the subject. But first the Alamy pics you show have it all wrong. No swords or camels involved. Runned down on horseback and hamstrung with a spear. Great and detailed article by Ian Cunnison. Giraffe Hunting Among the Humr, Sudan Notes and Records V.39 (1958). Available via Jstor if this link doesn't work. file:///Users/edhunley/Downloads/SNR%20V.39%20Cunnison,%20G.%20Hunting.pdf Also, a lesser article by R. Davies of same group. SNR, V.2 1919. ELEPHANT AND GIRAFFE HUNTING IN THE HOMR TRIBE (SOUTH-WEST KORDOFAN. Take care, Ed

27th October 2021, 03:07 PM	#1
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 411	Yep, one and the same Ed. Also you may like the three papers I wrote on Kaskara available on the Forum's Geographical Index under Africa. http://vikingsword.com/ethsword/ Yes, the weld seam as you show. The flat pre-form is explained in the papers on cross guards. Any kind of "leather food" with lanolin will work on the scabbard. The metal piece at the top of the scabbard is likely aluminum. The one at the bottom is a replacement. Regards, Ed

27th October 2021, 05:32 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	What an interesting post and kaskara Joe! I had never been aware of giraffes being hunted with kaskara, not being especially familiar with big game hunting in the first place. It does appear that the regions of S. Sudan and into Ethiopian regions of course were well exposed to the kaskara. I once knew a gentleman from Eritrea who was Beja, and shared with me videos of his tribal group doing ceremonial dances with kaskara. I think Ed has put together the most comprehensive and insightful material on the kaskara's history and construction, including into modern times that is known on these swords. With ethnographic weapons, as in these cases, they need not be 'old' to be collectible and fascinating. It has always amazed me that edged weapons remained in use in native contexts well through the 20th century. As Ed suggested, I use a lanolin based oil for restoring dried out leather (the same as I use on my old bomber jacket) and it is amazing to see the results.

28th October 2021, 02:16 AM	#3
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	Thanks for sharing all the good info Ed, Hi Jim, Thanks for dropping in, glad to hear from ya. good stuff, I got lots to read, would be cool to stumble upon some obscure giraffe stuff lol.

31st October 2021, 09:59 PM	#4
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Hey Joe, Congrats on getting a very clean, compleat example that's right as rain! So much nicer than many that you see out there. My only suggestion is that you resist the temptation to carry the thing when you visit the zoo. Philip

3rd November 2021, 12:31 PM	#5
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	Haha lol!, that was a good laugh, and thanks for the compliments on the sword.