Sudanese thuluth inscribed spear head

[Jim McDougall]

This unusual spear head is profusely inscribed in thuluth calligraphy, and cartouches. It appears to be Sudanese and presumed of Mahdiyya or Calipha period (late 19th c). It has been a very long time since acquired or researched but it seems it was once suggested this was an 'alem' (?) used as a standard by tribal chief or religious leader to signal or direct forces in battle.

I'd like to substantiate that, and perhaps the inscriptions be translated. It is known if course that religious practice and observation was a key element in these 'Ansar' forces, so this seems a plausible explanation for this example.

It perhaps may also be an element for guards posted in locations where esteemed figures were present.

[Tim Simmons]

The background script seems to be a repeated version of, The Conqueror, Salvation unto him.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

The background script seems to be a repeated version of, The Conqueror, Salvation unto him.

Thank you Tim! This thing seems of course much too broad a blade to be effective at thrusting as with the spear or lance heads. We know that at the beginning of the Khalifa, there were many conscripted forces from tribes to south who had been formerly taken as slaves.

These forces brought of course many external weapon forms, and these were often acid etched with the thuluth script as on the kaskaras, presumably all done in the Omdurman arsenal shops. The concept was the same, all of this scribed phrasing and invocations were the words of the jihad.

Muhammed Ahmed, born in Dongola, was a Sufi, of the Sammaniya Order, and declared he was the Mahdi, the chosen one in around 1880.
In the developing campaigns to end the hated Turkiyya (Ottoman rule) the British sent Gen. Charles Gordon to stabilize the situation. This ended with the seige and fall of Khartoum, where Gordon was killed by the spear of a zealous tribesman, to the dismay of the the Mahdi.

Ironically, the Mahdi died the same year of illness, which much threatened the jihad. His successor, the Khaliph, to keep the jihad going, used the much emphasized thuluth script to embellish the weapons as imbued with the magic of the Mahdi (known for his use of written script amulets). this was to assure the 'Ansar' of the angels who would come with them into battle , not for protection but to ensure their flight to paradise if killed.

Obviously, while familiar with these elements of this history, I am by no means well versed in the dynamics and particulars of the language, script nor beliefs. However I hope others will come in, and Tim again thank you for the entry.


The illustration of the Mahdi, the only such rendering known and only presumed appearance by artist.
The painting is "General Gordons Last Stand" by George W. Joy (1893).. just 5 years before the punitive expedition led by Kitchener ending with Omdurman in 1898.

[Edster]

Jim,

Your spear head, perhaps with a colored "flag" or strip, may have been among the several standards held up to identify and form up or otherwise organize various troop units at large parades, etc. that the Khalifa periodically held in Omdurman. There were thousands of troops and populous called out to participate and means were needed to provide order and avoid chaos. Alas, he didn't mention the organizational means, but the spear head seems plausible.

These events are mentioned by Rudolf Slatin, a 10 year prisoner of the Khalifa, in his book : Fire and Sword in the Sudan, P.530 & 531 Ch. XVI available from Project Gutenberg.

Best,
Ed

[Jim McDougall]

That fantastic Ed!! Thank you so much for this most valuable information!!
I had thought this was used as some sort of organizational standard but was unclear if used in combat formations or not. This makes perfect sense, and thank you for the cited reference.

It really is exciting to catch up with all the dynamics of these Sudanese items in going through these examples!

[Edster]

Hi Jim,

I think we plowed this field a couple of years ago. Still, it's great to review this important part of Sudanese history and its weapons.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28561

Best,
Ed

[Jim McDougall]

We sure did Ed! My memory clearly is NOT what it used to be, I had totally forgotten, and again, your input always amazing. Thanks again. Now I need to get back to those books on Sudan.