Origins of the Mandinka saber

Iain · 11th October 2016, 09:48 PM

Hi Jim,

I think the major problem with this idea is that we don't have any signs of extensive contact with Omani traders to justify this idea.

Is a square pommel numb really all that much of an Omani idea? I am not sure personally it is. On these swords from Mande speaking peoples we see domed finials, square, etc. I am not sure any of these shapes are really so unique (rather, fairly universal!) to require much of an explanation.

There of course is a striking visual similarity between the two forms, but they are so basic, simple wrapped handles and a small finial/pommel, that I am not sure much more can be drawn from it given the breadth of a continent in between the two forms and not much of a trail of diffusion in the dividing territory.

Regarding the flared scabbard, I by no means meant to indicate this is necessarily a Darfur feature, but rather wanted to point out we see it in a variety of areas that for me dissipate the theory that this is a particularly eastern or western Sudanese feature. Rather it seems to be a fairly generalized artistic element.

Given the strong historical connections of the kaskara to Mamluk Egypt it would be interesting to compare medieval Mamluk straight sword scabbards, but sadly none survive I am aware of.

11th October 2016, 09:48 PM	#16
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Hi Jim, I think the major problem with this idea is that we don't have any signs of extensive contact with Omani traders to justify this idea. Is a square pommel numb really all that much of an Omani idea? I am not sure personally it is. On these swords from Mande speaking peoples we see domed finials, square, etc. I am not sure any of these shapes are really so unique (rather, fairly universal!) to require much of an explanation. There of course is a striking visual similarity between the two forms, but they are so basic, simple wrapped handles and a small finial/pommel, that I am not sure much more can be drawn from it given the breadth of a continent in between the two forms and not much of a trail of diffusion in the dividing territory. Regarding the flared scabbard, I by no means meant to indicate this is necessarily a Darfur feature, but rather wanted to point out we see it in a variety of areas that for me dissipate the theory that this is a particularly eastern or western Sudanese feature. Rather it seems to be a fairly generalized artistic element. Given the strong historical connections of the kaskara to Mamluk Egypt it would be interesting to compare medieval Mamluk straight sword scabbards, but sadly none survive I am aware of.