A Tale of Two Kaskaras

Edster · 24th August 2019, 02:37 PM

I can't really add much to Jim's discussions, but there a couple of observations.

The short sword has fuller styles common to those made in Kassaka, but poorly done. The maker's mark uses the same semi-circular inside punch used by smiths in Kassaka. It has be best the crossguard.

The long sword puzzles me. The profile lacks the taper I often attribute to locally made blades and the fuller style was common to European sources for centuries. However, the local version of the "fly" is not symmetrically stamped in the fuller suggesting local application. Also, my 1984 Kassala field notes has a similar sketch of a cow's head said to be invented in early 1950s. But the cow has small circles for eyes not seen on your sword. Bottom line, I can't really attribute a source and date.

As far as I know all Beja tassels are either unbleached or black cotton. The blue one was added recently.

Regards,
Ed

24th August 2019, 02:37 PM	#4
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 411	I can't really add much to Jim's discussions, but there a couple of observations. The short sword has fuller styles common to those made in Kassaka, but poorly done. The maker's mark uses the same semi-circular inside punch used by smiths in Kassaka. It has be best the crossguard. The long sword puzzles me. The profile lacks the taper I often attribute to locally made blades and the fuller style was common to European sources for centuries. However, the local version of the "fly" is not symmetrically stamped in the fuller suggesting local application. Also, my 1984 Kassala field notes has a similar sketch of a cow's head said to be invented in early 1950s. But the cow has small circles for eyes not seen on your sword. Bottom line, I can't really attribute a source and date. As far as I know all Beja tassels are either unbleached or black cotton. The blue one was added recently. Regards, Ed