Kaskara from Darfur

Jim McDougall · 14th January 2011, 05:23 AM

This is indeed a kaskara from Darfur, and likely of the period of Ali Dinar (Ali Dinar Zakariyya Muhammed al Fadl, 1856-1916). Actually the kaskaras with this hilt form with discoid pommel with filagree edges, domed pommel cap and silver repousse grip with 'harlequin' or diamond pattern motif are quite well established during Ali Dinars reign (1898-1916) and described as such in "Kaskara From Northern Darfur, Sudan" (Graham Reed, JAAS, Vol.XII, #3, March, 1987).

Ali Dinar was of the Keira Dynasty of rulers, and of Tama descent, with that monarchy suspended after the Egyptian conquest in 1874. After the Mahdists defeat at Omdurman in 1898, a de facto state was formed in Darfur with him as the Sultan, and the British appointed him agent for them. Ali Dinar was however of the Senussi Brotherhood, who was powerfully in league with the Ottomans and Germans and Turkish governors in Benghazi. As WWI came in 1914, the intrigue with Senussi following and the German alliance with the Ottomans naturally led eventually to Ali Dinar being declared outlaw as he led insurgencies against the British.
A British punitive expedition was mounted, with Ali Dinar being killed near Jebel Mara in Central Darfur October 7th, 1916. The only known photograph of Ali Dinar was at his death (attached).

I did research on one of these kaskara attributed also to having come from the armoury of Ali Dinar about 11 years ago. It was of course of the distinct form, the characteristic X on the crossguard, flared quillons, harlequin repousse grip and filagree discoid pommel. There was the usual puff type festoon attached around the pommel base.

In "Introduction to Islamic Arms" by Anthony North, p.30 (fig. 23 B) there is a kaskara attributed to Ali Dinar, which has gold grip in this pattern and the blade is heirloom believed of 18th c. This is also believed to be one of three possible swords which may have been his, and probably the one listed as Victoria & Albert Museum. In checking with Mr. North, he stated the sword was with its owner in Malaysia at that point.

Another of Dinars swords is said to be Royal Armouries Inv. XXVI.112S, and I do not have further notes on that.
The other is at the British Museum (#1932, 10-14.1) but is believed captured at Omdurman and of the Ali Dinar 'style'.

I interviewed a man who was a Fur, and now in the U.S. and actually knew one of Ali Dinars grandsons, but as Dinar had 120 sons, the grandson had little information to add to the research when I spoke to him by phone.

Returning to the Darfur kaskara at hand, the etched devotional panel on the blade is most interesting and it will be great to hear more on translation. I believe the blade on this may more likely be of Italian origin as many of these Darfur blades seem to have been (Reed, fig. L1 notes a possible Italian orig.). This would seem quite likely as the Senussi contacts in the branches in Libya would have had considerable contact with Italian trade with the occupying forces there.

In my opinion, these type kaskaras were widely produced in this period, but in this quality it is of course supposed that these would have been for prominant tribal leaders and chiefs (Omda). It would be presumed that many of these weapons would have carried inscriptions pertaining to Ali Dinar, and would not necessarily be his weapons, but associated with him and his forces. Regardless, these kaskaras are in my opinion the most desirable, especially when they can be attributed to this form and of the period.

Best regards,
Jim

katana · 14th January 2011, 02:47 PM

Hi Jim

,

Glad you added to this thread. You mentioned "....'harlequin' or diamond pattern motif are quite well established during Ali Dinars reign (1898-1916) and described as such in "Kaskara From Northern Darfur, Sudan" (Graham Reed, JAAS, Vol.XII, #3, March, 1987)...."

Is there any indication that the diamond pattern was exclusively used during Ali Dinar's reign....or perhaps, evidence of the source or symbolism of the design ?

Kind Regards David

Jim McDougall · 14th January 2011, 05:04 PM

Hi David, thank you very much for responding! Very much appreciated.
That is a very good question, and unfortunately as with most works on weaponry, symbolism may be noted in observation, but seldom are there any further details on the meanings or possible origins of these features.
That is left to those of us who research

In the article Reed notes, " ...regarding date, all that can be said is that the decoration and quillon shapes are consistant with swords of the highest quality, made for, and in the time of Ali Dinar (1899-1916)".
It is further noted in reference to another blade in the article, that it came from 'before the time of Kasalla'. Apparantly many of these swords were fashioned in that city, which in more recent times has continued making of swords and weapons (see the brilliant article presented by Ed Hunley in our archived material). With that being the case these kaskaras were then known as 'sa'if Kasallawi' , and as noted many times through the years....these have never been termed kaskaras in either Darfur or the Sudan, only sa'if.

Since the swords described in Reed's article were apparantly of this style and motif from Dinar's time, and in many cases even being refurbished carrying forth these traditional characteristics, it would seem that the features must have been adopted following key symbolism of those times. Since there seems to be a certain degree of variation, though with essentially the same leitmotif, perhaps these geometrics and symbols may have connections to the Senussi following. Another key feature which seems consistant on these Darfur hilts is the distinct X on the crossguard center.

I would say that the features of these hilts became popular in the time of Ali Dinar, and may have developed from embellished forms of decoration or symbolism already in the regions at the time. It should be noted that there are many examples of Darfur associated kaskara which are much more of simple form without the repousse silver grips etc, often simple wood disc pommels. Also, the diamond shape in the repousse work may occur in the crosswork pattern as in this example, as well as in the 'harlequin' pattern, which is a vertical linear pattern of diamond shapes.

Hopefully there will be other responses here, though the ambiguous title is not likely to draw the attention of kaskara enthusiasts. In any case, as always, research continues

All the best, and thank you again David,
Jim

RSWORD · 15th January 2011, 05:16 PM

I thought it would be interesting to add this thread to the discussion as the blade on my example was also translated to Sultan Ali Dinar.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12979

CharlesS · 15th January 2011, 05:33 PM

That's probably the most elegant looking kaskara I have ever seen. The LOVE the guard.

Rick's sword is far better to see in person that the pics indicate. Still hoping he will leave it here on his next visit!

katana · 15th January 2011, 07:03 PM

Hi Jim,
thank you for the further details

. Been trying to find more information on the diamond motif...but so far have 'struck out'

.

Hi Rick,
how on earth did I miss the thread you posted ...... I know I've been busy ...but

.

Interesting sword

....again a sword seemingly associated with Ali Dinar .............with a diamond motif on the blade ?

Kind Regards David

.

Jim McDougall · 15th January 2011, 08:13 PM

Im with you David...how the heck did I miss this one!!!!!?????
That is phenomenal Rick, you are one amazing connoisseur (I love trying to spell that word

!!!

Incidentally, David, the source on those diamond pattern motif is the one I noted published by Graham Reed in 1987. Ironically, it seems that our own Ed Hunley preempted Mr. Reeds visit to Kassala by three years! as shown in his outstanding treatise (1984)which appears on our site.

Actually that triangular blade form in a shorter sword version as seen here, in my experience has been attributed to Dongola regions in upper Sudan. As always, the inscription is key of course, and these sumptuous mounts are atypical to the hilts I have usually seen on these blades.

When the Anglo-Egyptian government took over in the Sudan in 1899, and Ali Dinar was recognized as the sultan of Darfur, the dar was very much left to its own affairs, but was expected to pay a nominal annual tribute to that government.

The outstanding quality of this sword and the potentially revealing inscription on the blade may indicate this was some sort of diplomatic gift to the sultan during his reign and associated with relations as noted. The incongruent nature of the mounts do suggest some cross cultural custom work, and the Chadic possibilities are well placed. It should also be noted that the Teda which are a Toubou tribal group in N. Chad (as well as Niger and Nigeria) also were well situated in Libya. As mentioned earlier, considerable Senussi (which Ali Dinar was profoundly an adherent) presence was situated in Libya.

While unclear how these elements might account for this somewhat hybrid sword, they seemed worthy of note.

All best regards,
Jim

PS Charles, that kaskara you had several years ago in Baltimore and I suggested the blade was Italian, do you still have it? I believe that too was a Darfur sword, and while not with inscriptions, I think might be supportive of Italian origins the blades on many of these Darfur swords.

Jim McDougall · 23rd January 2011, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

That's probably the most elegant looking kaskara I have ever seen. The LOVE the guard.

Rick's sword is far better to see in person that the pics indicate. Still hoping he will leave it here on his next visit!

yes it really is attractive.

15th January 2011, 07:03 PM	#6
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Jim, thank you for the further details . Been trying to find more information on the diamond motif...but so far have 'struck out' . Hi Rick, how on earth did I miss the thread you posted ...... I know I've been busy ...but . Interesting sword ....again a sword seemingly associated with Ali Dinar .............with a diamond motif on the blade ? Kind Regards David . Attached Images

15th January 2011, 08:13 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,278	Im with you David...how the heck did I miss this one!!!!!????? That is phenomenal Rick, you are one amazing connoisseur (I love trying to spell that word !!! Incidentally, David, the source on those diamond pattern motif is the one I noted published by Graham Reed in 1987. Ironically, it seems that our own Ed Hunley preempted Mr. Reeds visit to Kassala by three years! as shown in his outstanding treatise (1984)which appears on our site. Actually that triangular blade form in a shorter sword version as seen here, in my experience has been attributed to Dongola regions in upper Sudan. As always, the inscription is key of course, and these sumptuous mounts are atypical to the hilts I have usually seen on these blades. When the Anglo-Egyptian government took over in the Sudan in 1899, and Ali Dinar was recognized as the sultan of Darfur, the dar was very much left to its own affairs, but was expected to pay a nominal annual tribute to that government. The outstanding quality of this sword and the potentially revealing inscription on the blade may indicate this was some sort of diplomatic gift to the sultan during his reign and associated with relations as noted. The incongruent nature of the mounts do suggest some cross cultural custom work, and the Chadic possibilities are well placed. It should also be noted that the Teda which are a Toubou tribal group in N. Chad (as well as Niger and Nigeria) also were well situated in Libya. As mentioned earlier, considerable Senussi (which Ali Dinar was profoundly an adherent) presence was situated in Libya. While unclear how these elements might account for this somewhat hybrid sword, they seemed worthy of note. All best regards, Jim PS Charles, that kaskara you had several years ago in Baltimore and I suggested the blade was Italian, do you still have it? I believe that too was a Darfur sword, and while not with inscriptions, I think might be supportive of Italian origins the blades on many of these Darfur swords. Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 15th January 2011 at 08:26 PM.

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14th January 2011, 05:23 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,278	This is indeed a kaskara from Darfur, and likely of the period of Ali Dinar (Ali Dinar Zakariyya Muhammed al Fadl, 1856-1916). Actually the kaskaras with this hilt form with discoid pommel with filagree edges, domed pommel cap and silver repousse grip with 'harlequin' or diamond pattern motif are quite well established during Ali Dinars reign (1898-1916) and described as such in "Kaskara From Northern Darfur, Sudan" (Graham Reed, JAAS, Vol.XII, #3, March, 1987). Ali Dinar was of the Keira Dynasty of rulers, and of Tama descent, with that monarchy suspended after the Egyptian conquest in 1874. After the Mahdists defeat at Omdurman in 1898, a de facto state was formed in Darfur with him as the Sultan, and the British appointed him agent for them. Ali Dinar was however of the Senussi Brotherhood, who was powerfully in league with the Ottomans and Germans and Turkish governors in Benghazi. As WWI came in 1914, the intrigue with Senussi following and the German alliance with the Ottomans naturally led eventually to Ali Dinar being declared outlaw as he led insurgencies against the British. A British punitive expedition was mounted, with Ali Dinar being killed near Jebel Mara in Central Darfur October 7th, 1916. The only known photograph of Ali Dinar was at his death (attached). I did research on one of these kaskara attributed also to having come from the armoury of Ali Dinar about 11 years ago. It was of course of the distinct form, the characteristic X on the crossguard, flared quillons, harlequin repousse grip and filagree discoid pommel. There was the usual puff type festoon attached around the pommel base. In "Introduction to Islamic Arms" by Anthony North, p.30 (fig. 23 B) there is a kaskara attributed to Ali Dinar, which has gold grip in this pattern and the blade is heirloom believed of 18th c. This is also believed to be one of three possible swords which may have been his, and probably the one listed as Victoria & Albert Museum. In checking with Mr. North, he stated the sword was with its owner in Malaysia at that point. Another of Dinars swords is said to be Royal Armouries Inv. XXVI.112S, and I do not have further notes on that. The other is at the British Museum (#1932, 10-14.1) but is believed captured at Omdurman and of the Ali Dinar 'style'. I interviewed a man who was a Fur, and now in the U.S. and actually knew one of Ali Dinars grandsons, but as Dinar had 120 sons, the grandson had little information to add to the research when I spoke to him by phone. Returning to the Darfur kaskara at hand, the etched devotional panel on the blade is most interesting and it will be great to hear more on translation. I believe the blade on this may more likely be of Italian origin as many of these Darfur blades seem to have been (Reed, fig. L1 notes a possible Italian orig.). This would seem quite likely as the Senussi contacts in the branches in Libya would have had considerable contact with Italian trade with the occupying forces there. In my opinion, these type kaskaras were widely produced in this period, but in this quality it is of course supposed that these would have been for prominant tribal leaders and chiefs (Omda). It would be presumed that many of these weapons would have carried inscriptions pertaining to Ali Dinar, and would not necessarily be his weapons, but associated with him and his forces. Regardless, these kaskaras are in my opinion the most desirable, especially when they can be attributed to this form and of the period. Best regards, Jim Attached Images

14th January 2011, 02:47 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Jim , Glad you added to this thread. You mentioned "....'harlequin' or diamond pattern motif are quite well established during Ali Dinars reign (1898-1916) and described as such in "Kaskara From Northern Darfur, Sudan" (Graham Reed, JAAS, Vol.XII, #3, March, 1987)...." Is there any indication that the diamond pattern was exclusively used during Ali Dinar's reign....or perhaps, evidence of the source or symbolism of the design ? Kind Regards David

14th January 2011, 05:04 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,278	Kaskara from Darfur Hi David, thank you very much for responding! Very much appreciated. That is a very good question, and unfortunately as with most works on weaponry, symbolism may be noted in observation, but seldom are there any further details on the meanings or possible origins of these features. That is left to those of us who research In the article Reed notes, " ...regarding date, all that can be said is that the decoration and quillon shapes are consistant with swords of the highest quality, made for, and in the time of Ali Dinar (1899-1916)". It is further noted in reference to another blade in the article, that it came from 'before the time of Kasalla'. Apparantly many of these swords were fashioned in that city, which in more recent times has continued making of swords and weapons (see the brilliant article presented by Ed Hunley in our archived material). With that being the case these kaskaras were then known as 'sa'if Kasallawi' , and as noted many times through the years....these have never been termed kaskaras in either Darfur or the Sudan, only sa'if. Since the swords described in Reed's article were apparantly of this style and motif from Dinar's time, and in many cases even being refurbished carrying forth these traditional characteristics, it would seem that the features must have been adopted following key symbolism of those times. Since there seems to be a certain degree of variation, though with essentially the same leitmotif, perhaps these geometrics and symbols may have connections to the Senussi following. Another key feature which seems consistant on these Darfur hilts is the distinct X on the crossguard center. I would say that the features of these hilts became popular in the time of Ali Dinar, and may have developed from embellished forms of decoration or symbolism already in the regions at the time. It should be noted that there are many examples of Darfur associated kaskara which are much more of simple form without the repousse silver grips etc, often simple wood disc pommels. Also, the diamond shape in the repousse work may occur in the crosswork pattern as in this example, as well as in the 'harlequin' pattern, which is a vertical linear pattern of diamond shapes. Hopefully there will be other responses here, though the ambiguous title is not likely to draw the attention of kaskara enthusiasts. In any case, as always, research continues All the best, and thank you again David, Jim

15th January 2011, 05:16 PM	#4
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	I thought it would be interesting to add this thread to the discussion as the blade on my example was also translated to Sultan Ali Dinar. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12979

15th January 2011, 05:33 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	That's probably the most elegant looking kaskara I have ever seen. The LOVE the guard. Rick's sword is far better to see in person that the pics indicate. Still hoping he will leave it here on his next visit!