On the 'kaskara'

[Jim McDougall]

During the course of the unfortunate 'elephant' thread , which I would like to leave there, GAC had posed an interesting query concerning the evolution of the so called 'kaskara', the well known sa'if of the Sudan. Although we have all discussed this familiar, yet inconclusively discussed topic many times over many years, it is interesting to note that the romanticized allusion to the swords of the crusaders persists.

As Rick has suggested, perhaps a thread to discuss these Sudanese broadswords may prove interesting and possibly we might resolve some issues between the legends and reality. GAC has suggested the essay on these written by our own Dr. Lee Jones holds a 'revisionist' perspective which disputes a direct link between the actual swords used by crusaders and the examples used by Sudanese warriors of the 19th c. I would like to begin with some of my own research concerning the evolution of the kaskara.

Although there is an obvious similarity between the kaskara and the medieval swords of the crusades, I very much doubt any of these Sudanese swords are to be found with actual blades of that vintage. If there were such an example I would really like to see it! There does not seem to be any evidence of direct lineage from the crusades for these broadswords in the Sudan and it would appear that thier use derives more from trade that introduced European arms and armour probably in the centuries following . Trade had long existed via the Meditteranean especially from Venice, and in the centuries following the crusades, as arms production expanded so did the volume of weapons made for trade. Although it has long been held that huge supplies of surplus weapons from the crusades were traded off in Africa following these campaigns, I suspect that the same exaggerations exist in these reports as do accounts of numbers of combatants involved.

It is true that the use of broadswords in North Africa, especially in Egypt with the Mamluks, was well established from the advent of Islam in the 7th c.
However it seems that native use of swords to the south in then Nubia, would have been unlikely and their weapons would have been primarily spears. The swords used in Mamluk regions would have of course been of the Islamic forms developing from early straight swords, and by the 13th c. were reflecting characteristics such as the yelman and single edge blade.

In "Kaskara from Northern Darfur, Sudan" by Graham Reed (Journal of the Arms & Armour Society, Vol.XII #3, March 1987, p.171-72) it is noted "...since the 14th and 15th centuries there were extensive lines between North Africa and countries in Europe which had ports on the Meditteranean Sea". The author describes further the trade which entered caravan routes and whereby goods entered regions which ultimately reached Darfur.

One factor that seems to occur often in the study of many ethnographic edged weapons is the apparant influence of numerous Italian weapons, and the prominant maritime dominance of Venice. It is worthy of note here that "...by the mid 15th century Milan itself was in decline and Venice controlled all the remaining North Italian arms centers. German armourers gradually seized domination of the European market from the 16th century but these Venetian manufacturing centers continued to make huge quantities of fine armour, weapons and above all firearms". ("The Venetian Empire:1200-1670" D. Nicolle, 1989, p.41).
Perhaps Venetian trade ships may have carried the "great numbers of straight double edged blades" exported by the Knights of Malta and mentioned by Denham and Clapperton (1826) which arrived eventually in Bornu, and where they claim some 50,000 blades were imported annually in the present time in continued trade (Burton p.162). Burton also notes that most of the 'Baghirmi' cannot afford the kaskara swords. Again these numbers seem suspect, and why would these thousands of blades have been brought in if none could buy them?

The kaskara itself seems to have evolved with trade blades that entered the Sahara from a combination of sources, and of European origin, probably from about the latter 16th century. These blades were likely of Spanish and Italian make earlier, but gradually became most commonly of German manufacture. One of the key hubs of this commerce seems to have been Kano, and the blades and armour seem to have carried eastward where tribal warriors in Bornu and beyond in Darfur were heavily outfitted in medieval weaponry.
The Hausa were from western Sudan regions, and there have been numerous references to the kaskara as 'Hausa', which quite possibly many were. The Darfur examples seem to reflect certain European influences from medieval broadswords including prominantly flared quillons and often a key X in the center of the crossguard. While the kaskara crossguard in my opinion reflects more European influence, I would agree with Toms observation that it has certain resemblance to Turco-Persian crossguards in the single descending langet, which actually is a Mamluk feature seen c. 13th c. I have observed a number of examples, which seem exceptions, that do have crossguards with upper and lower langets though.Most medieval European crossguards have a straight cross without langet, however a rudimentary projection evolved later.

Although the captured European broadswords from the crusades held at Alexandria represent the early ancestry of the form of the kaskara, I would not consider them as directly inspiring them. The Mamluk weapons in Egypt evolved concurrent with other developing Islamic swords, which as is known became the famed and deadly sabres. The anachronistic kaskara developed independantly via trade and traditions in regions of the Sudan that were supplied via Saharan trade caravans.

Having noted all of this, I would like to note again, as I seem to do almost annually, that as yet there has been no satisfactory explanation for the
term 'kaskara'. As I have discussed previously, this term is completely unknown in the Sudan, where these swords are termed simply sa'if.

As always, I very much look forward to observations and thoughts on this. These are fascinating swords with considerable history and I would like to focus on the trade and native production, markings, blade fullering etc.
What about its Taureg cousin, the takouba, and how have these two anachronistic broadswords remained independant forms, which are still worn by the Tuaregs and the kaskara in Darfur.

Best regards,
Jim

[Jeff D]

Very nice Jim!

Much of your findings echo mine, plus a whole lot more. Perhaps we should keep this thread to post the earliest kaskara blade, I haven't seen any that predate the mid 18th century. So here is a challange to all! Show me anything earlier and be prepared to prove it. .

Jeff

[Lee]

Lee Jones holds a 'revisionist' perspective

This was no great original thinking on my part, but a concept espoused by Briggs in his excellent monograph on takoubas and kaskaras with European-made blades. Briggs was unaware of any examples of either Saharan sword type with surviving medieval blades; I am unaware of any examples that have come to light in the subsequent decades since his publication. As I recall, Briggs postulated that these may have descended from medieval Arab blades, which were also largely straight and double edged. Consider also the Omani kattara.

Show me anything earlier and be prepared to prove it.

I feel as though I am presently falling further behind in all aspects of my life; once I take care of some pending obligations, I will post some pictures of some 18th and possibly 17th century European blades so mounted. Unfortunately it will probably be at least a month before the traffic clears.

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you so much Jeff! I know that you have put some time in on kaskara study as well, as we have discussed many times over these years !

Thank you Lee for coming in on this as I had hoped. Your outstanding article has been one of the only focused attention works on the kaskara since Briggs (1965) and Reed (1987) and actually I wanted to detach the 'revisionist' stigma. It would seem that serious academic perspective on these swords has long since left the romantic notions of Victorian narration associating these swords with the crusaders, despite the colorful perspective. As you have noted, the Islamic broadsword blades were well established already in these regions by the time of the crusades, so looking to European swords for influence for kaskara ancestry would seem redundant. The later influx of trade blades was the key to development, and the simple but distinct crossguard typically reflected more European influence, also possibly from earlier fully mounted swords that likely came in earlier trade.

I really look forward to seeing these earlier blades of 17th-18th century, as most of what we see these days of kaskaras are late 19th century of course, and many are of the early 20th century. I recall your work on examining blades to distinguish the native blades from European trade examples also which was excellent! The blades from native armourers actually became quite well made, so such determination became increasingly more difficult.

All best regards,
Jim

[tom hyle]

It is my impression that the kaskara usually has both upper and lower lagnets, and that the upper lagnet is typically uder the handle wrap, somewhat as seen in Arabia. Perhaps I have seen an atypical sampling. But as to the construction of the kaskara guard, is it hollow enough to take some of the handle material and serve as a ferule, like a Tukish one, or is it pierced only for the tang?
The shape of takouba blades is really interesting, with the wide long-ricassoish base of the blade, and the rest tapering to the narrow, round tip......
Proof can really get in the way someimes though. For example, I remember an Ethiopian sword with typical horn hilt, and with a straight, springy, double-edged blade with a fairly (but not sabrishly) wide groove running out the tip and into the hilt. Its surface was unmarked save by the wear of many polishings and sharpenings. It seemed to show layered steel. This could be a medieval European sword, and why not? As I've mentioned before I've heard and read that one could buy them in England and Germany for around $50 fairly routinely up into the early 1970s, even, and they were liable to be considered "old junk". But there is no proof, of course. Of course. How could there be? What would prove it? What could possibly prove it? Destructive dating tests on the steel?.......So in the setting of unprovable concepts, what use is the idea of proof?
As to the nonuse of metal and/or swords in Africa from early times, I believe that this is history that may be getting revised as we write.....

[Radu Transylvanicus]

I think whomever discovers the exact source of inspiration for the takouba is holding the evolutionary key for the kaskara as well. I belong to a generalist European point of view where they are regarded as the closely related straight edged swords of the Islamic black Africa, to be found in the Saharan and Sub-Saharan region.
There is an undeniable European influence in the blades, including direct manufacture and origins of steel but when it comes to the origin I agree that the Arabians would have to share in influence.
I also would like to mention the "revisionist" theory that these sword are direct descendants of the European crusade swords is neither new, neither does it belong to a "romantic Eurocentrist" (thank you Tom, I still use this terminology as you can see). These allegations, preposterous or not, were made actually by the local population and were taken back to the Old World in excitement by naive travelers in the late " golden age of exploration". Even further to fuel this theory, many blades had European marks and lettering, many of them actually crudely stamped by African smiths on local blades in imitation or hope for profit and the methodology used to an untrained eye alongside the rough construction was easily targeted as "crusader influence".
These swords are a good example of the creational universality of arms and armour, a blend of three separate flavours: African, Arabian and European. In my belief, like probably most people, I embrace the ideea that in most types of weaponry there is very little of the "absolute local inventions" but they are rather "inovatory evolutionary creations" ... as in yathagan, khukri, kerises and so on.
Also keep in mind that takoubas and kaskaras were made on large scale, although executed a-la-carte, for the visitors, mainly of European origins ending up as souvenirs. That is exactly why they are largely found in so many collections including basic minimal private ones (no hurt feelings, anyone I hope...).
It would be nice to gather a certain amount of collectors and exchange data in between and trace where differences and similarities reside: length, weigth, European or local blade, fullered or not, characteristics of the handle, materials used, common techniques in fabrication, similar markings, provenance and so on. Gathering data would help in a further and more serious research since they are so readily available, wish I could start but I do not own one, however I know many of you do !
Another issue worth mentioning, speaking of the similarities, is the one between the swolen end leather sheaths on baldrics with hanging knots of the Manding swords and the ones for most kaskara due to interaction in the geographical proximity.

[Jim McDougall]

Lee,
Very good point on the Omani kattara (has anyone also thought of how much that terms sounds like kaskara?) which evolved from the medieval Arab broadswords as well of course. It is interesting that these Omani swords also began sporting trade blades, again typically German, sometime in the 18th century. It is interesting to note that these typically have a rounded blade tip, much like the Saharan takouba. One would wonder what one would have to do with the other given the considerable distance geographically, but of course again...trade...there are many distinct associations between the very active Omani traders and the Sahara. The presence of Omani swords in Zanzibar is well known with its Sultanate there, and trade entered cross African routes via Ethiopian centers into Darfur, then westward to Mali. The familiar Manding sabres which have the Omani style guardless hilt and the scabbards with flared tip as kaskaras seem compelling evidence of the connections.

Radu, this brings us to your very well made point on the Saharan point of contact where the takouba, and of course where the origins of the kaskara may be found. The common use of the imported blades is apparant, yet the hilt design is typically quite different, with the takouba's block type crossguard.
Here is an interesting thought, the point of entry for trade blades and commerce from Oman would have been via Zanzibar and likely Red Sea ports then westward to Saharan/Tuareg regions. The entry for European blades was primarily via Tunis and Moroccan ports, then southward to Kano, then to the east. It would be interesting to find the confluence of these routes and the movement of the blades, and more on how these routes might have changed in different centuries. Which was more prevalent, maritime or caravan trade, and to which regions? or were both equally present.

You make a very good point as well on the romanticized notions relating the blades to the crusaders that I had forgotten about, of course the locals who were hawking the swords would have used such hyperbole to excite travellers from other countries, and narrators would have capitalized on such material. BTW, my reference to 'Victorian' actually referred more to the style of such writing which was as pronounced in non-European places such as America, but they were as equally susceptible to such stories.

Tom, its good to have your input on this as you always have keen observations on the construction and elements of sword components and its is important to consider these factors. Actually, I believe you are quite right on the langets of the kaskara, and I admit I have never seen one taken down or without grip cover. In examining the examples I have, I cannot really tell as the grips are so tightly wrapped, and I could not see the telltale rise under the wrap that would suggest the langet wrapped over as in Persian, Arab examples as you have noted. Your point and observation are very well taken, and appreciated, thank you for clarifying that. Excellent!

Any thoughts on the discoid wheel shaped pommel placed horizontally on the Darfur examples? It seems the pommels on European medieval swords are typically placed vertically, where might the flat placement of the pommel have originated?

This is what is great about discussions here, the range of knowledge and perspective of those participating with varying aspects of the subject weapon being viewed accordingly. The flat disc on regular Sudanese kaskaras also.

Thanks very much guys!!!

All the best,
Jim

[ham]

Gentlemen,

In the foregoing discussion of Sudanese swords, one wonders whether the geographical proximity to Egypt and all that implies is being considered sufficiently, at least by others than Jim McD. Several of the Sudanese coats in the Met Museum, New York are altered Mamluk examples from the 16th century and earlier. At least one kaskara there is mounted with a fine Arab blade dated in the late medieval period in gold, if I recall correctly.
Clearly, early medieval Arab swords were quite similar in form to those used by Europeans-- the blades were long, straight (if not always single-edged) and the hilts bore a large cross and distinct pommel-- as a brief look through Yucel's ISLAMIC SWORDS AND SWORDSMITHS will attest. Equally importantly, as noted above, the double langets on the cross descend from those found on Mamluk, Ottoman and Persian swords. Finally, if one considers the enduring relationships, to say nothing of the religious connexions, the Sudanese shared with various Islamic dynasties of the Near East and Africa, the origin of the kaskara becomes clear.
The (much) later influx of European trade blades to the Sudan simply served to supply a form which was retained in culturally conservative areas, yet was no longer available from more mainstream producers in the Near East; such at least appears also to be the case with the kaskara, as well as the Omani kattara.
As for disk pommels, it seems likely they are the result of necessity, as is that of the tulwar-- the sword is used in a drawcut, hence the hand required backing.

Sincerely,

Ham

[Jim McDougall]

Hello Ham!
Its really great to hear from you again. You've been absent far too long. As always, excellent input, and as you point out, the presence of Islamic broadswords in Egypt certainly maintained the sword form that was ideal for the proto-kaskara in the Sudan. In Yucel, the Mamluk blades certainly do represent the blade forms prior to and through the crusades. It would not be surprising to find Mamluk swords with medieval blades, as those shown in Yucel, yet it seems uncertain as far as Sudanese kaskara are concerned. I believe at least one of Sultan Ali Dinar's blades is claimed to have a medieval blade, but the sword illustrated in Tony North's "Introduction to Islamic Arms" (V&A 1985)according to him is now in a private collection and inaccesible (p.30b, heirloom blade). The other photos of kaskaras have 19th c. and 17th c. blades. As you have noted there are coats of mail which have some early lineage in Mamluk holdings.

What you say is brilliantly worded, "...the much later influx of European trade blades to the Sudan simply served to supply a form which was retained in culturally conservative areas". Exactly !!!! Therefore the kaskara itself did not evolve from the swords of the crusaders, but remained the Arab broadsword form culturally in place from even prior to those campaigns. In later times, with the increased advent of trade blade commerce, certain European influences were imbued in quillon shapes and especially in blade features and markings, that evolved into the familiar kaskara types of the 19th-20th c.

It would seem that in earlier times, not all warriors had swords as these were expensive, the same as it was for European forces. While there may have been massive numbers of rank and file, those arms with swords were likely to have been proportionally smaller numbers. Certainly by the later period when commercial imports of trade blades increased, there would have been equally increased availability to arm growing numbers of warriors, and the more generic form that became the kaskara became established as an indiginous form with Sudanese tribes.

It seems interesting that, as you mention, the sword blade producing centers from medieval times such as Cairo, Yemen and others all but ceased producing blades and gave over to the stream of foreign blades, especially from Germany. By the 18th century, as noted, even the Omani swords were mounted with German blades.

Thank you again for posting on this Ham, hope you stay with us!!!

All the best,
Jim

[Andrew]

I think this thread obviates the need to re-open the elephant thread.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by ham

As for disk pommels, it seems likely they are the result of necessity, as is that of the tulwar-- the sword is used in a drawcut, hence the hand required backing.

Sincerely,

Ham

Hi ham. I think this is very interesting. Is it really so much a function of backing the hand as it is ergonomically facilitating the draw?

[Conogre]

I can't help but notice that the Crusades seem to be the earliest mention of western swords in the region of the Soudan and N. Africa, particularly in relation to the kaskara, while it should be considered that long, straight blades of western influence were probably introduced into the area as far back as the Roman empire, notably the Celtic longswords being carried as "treasure" and trade items by legionaries, just as a short sword very reminiscent of the Roman gladius was used by Ethiopian troops from approximatley the same period, I believe roughly 50 BC or so right up through the early 20th century.
As to the flattened pommel disc vs the upright western style, it seems logical to me that this was likely an evolution from the local smiths who seemed to show a propensity for peened over tangs.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the association goes much further back than is commonly noted, with certain periods romanticizing the resemblance for a period until it faded from comment until the next "wave'>
Mike

[ham]

I think this is very interesting. Is it really so much a function of backing the hand as it is ergonomically facilitating the draw?

I think we're saying the same thing-- backing the hand ergonomically facilitates the draw. The pommel, whatever its form, be it shamshir or kaskara, acts as an anchor at the heel of the hand when the blade is pulled through the cut.
Is anyone on the Sword Forum researching the drawcut in Islamic cultures? Precious little written on swordsmanship in Arabic, Ottoman or Persian that I could find.

Ham

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by ham

I think this is very interesting. Is it really so much a function of backing the hand as it is ergonomically facilitating the draw?

I think we're saying the same thing-- backing the hand ergonomically facilitates the draw. The pommel, whatever its form, be it shamshir or kaskara, acts as an anchor at the heel of the hand when the blade is pulled through the cut.
Is anyone on the Sword Forum researching the drawcut in Islamic cultures? Precious little written on swordsmanship in Arabic, Ottoman or Persian that I could find.

Ham

I think I understand, Ham. Such pommels would clearly aid in securing one's grip when pulling through the cut.

However, other weapons that utilize the drawcut (e.g. katana) do not have such an anchor in the pommel, so I wonder if other purposes might be divined for the feature. The impression I get from the large pommels found on swords like tulwar, kaskara and, to an extent, certain vikingswords is that the the tightness of the grip coupled with the size/shape of the pommel limits wrist movement, thus "forcing" the elbow and shoulder movements into the drawcut.

I didn't always think this way, but for a time I was convinced that fingering the quillion on tulwar was a logical way to reconcile the tight grip and disc pommel. Others here more experienced than I have nearly succeeded in disabusing me of this. At least enough for me to consider other reasons for the handle design.

It's possible that Alina Boyden may be researching Arabic sword arts, but I'm uncertain to what extent. She posts on myArmoury.com and SFI from time to time.

Andrew