Sudanese Short Sword or Long Knife?

Jim McDougall · 1st August 2015, 08:55 PM

Hi Miguel,
Thank you for the kind response, and I would note that most of us indeed find the complexities of the Sudan, North Africa, and the tribal and colonial aspects very very confusing. The good thing is that serious and tenacious scholars such as Iain in recent years here, have incredibly advanced our knowledge and understanding of these.
It is often hard to concisely explain some of the more subtle nuances of these weapons, but it seems the more modern examples reflect various identifying and characteristic features of much earlier ones. Often these are almost caricatures of the originals, and often much cruder.

It must be remembered that these tribal peoples are of course very traditional, and often these more modern interpretations of much older weapons are intended for various genuine purposes among them.
Many weapons are now ceremonial or traditional accoutrements, and of course often sold to anxious tourists on opportunity. Therefore, although not expressly 'tourist' they often become 'souveniers'.
In my opinion, your example seems to be a sound and intriguing example of just such a weapon with this kind of traditional integrity. Very nice .

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1st August 2015, 08:55 PM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Hi Miguel, Thank you for the kind response, and I would note that most of us indeed find the complexities of the Sudan, North Africa, and the tribal and colonial aspects very very confusing. The good thing is that serious and tenacious scholars such as Iain in recent years here, have incredibly advanced our knowledge and understanding of these. It is often hard to concisely explain some of the more subtle nuances of these weapons, but it seems the more modern examples reflect various identifying and characteristic features of much earlier ones. Often these are almost caricatures of the originals, and often much cruder. It must be remembered that these tribal peoples are of course very traditional, and often these more modern interpretations of much older weapons are intended for various genuine purposes among them. Many weapons are now ceremonial or traditional accoutrements, and of course often sold to anxious tourists on opportunity. Therefore, although not expressly 'tourist' they often become 'souveniers'. In my opinion, your example seems to be a sound and intriguing example of just such a weapon with this kind of traditional integrity. Very nice .