Sudanese Axe for Comment

TVV · 23rd February 2020, 02:04 AM

Here is another Sudanese axe with a spear head for comment. The monitor (?) skin leaves little doubt as to the Geographic origin, yet the head is not covered in thuluth, but in geometric motifs and something that looks like a fish on one side. The spear head socket is of the same construction as those of the Sudanese ceremonial maces/spears, however this one is of larger proportions. With these it is always hard to tell if they were intended as a weapon or for some ritualistic purpose. Will appreciate your comments.

Teodor

kronckew · 23rd February 2020, 12:23 PM

The folded over & riveted axe eye socket Is suspiciously 'ceremonial' and thin for any sustained combat use. Spear also. I'd not want t get hit with it first tho.

Unless I was in Armour.

TVV · 25th February 2020, 07:12 PM

We can all agree that just because something can cause injury, it does not necessarily mean it is optimized as a weapon for combat use. With spears and swords as the predominant weapons in the Mahdi armies, it would appear that axes were more of a ceremonial item than a weapon of choice.

23rd February 2020, 02:04 AM	#1
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,625	Sudanese Axe for Comment Here is another Sudanese axe with a spear head for comment. The monitor (?) skin leaves little doubt as to the Geographic origin, yet the head is not covered in thuluth, but in geometric motifs and something that looks like a fish on one side. The spear head socket is of the same construction as those of the Sudanese ceremonial maces/spears, however this one is of larger proportions. With these it is always hard to tell if they were intended as a weapon or for some ritualistic purpose. Will appreciate your comments. Teodor Attached Images

23rd February 2020, 12:23 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,187	The folded over & riveted axe eye socket Is suspiciously 'ceremonial' and thin for any sustained combat use. Spear also. I'd not want t get hit with it first tho. Unless I was in Armour.

25th February 2020, 07:12 PM	#3
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,625	We can all agree that just because something can cause injury, it does not necessarily mean it is optimized as a weapon for combat use. With spears and swords as the predominant weapons in the Mahdi armies, it would appear that axes were more of a ceremonial item than a weapon of choice.