Kaskara with 'enigmatic' marking

Edster · 10th January 2026, 10:47 PM

Jim,

I realize it's a big stretch, but certainly plausible. Thanks for not hooting me down. The Freemasons were attractive to certain Ottoman elites and middle class professionals. Many lodges were established in Ottoman cities including those in North Africa in the 1835 -76 era.The first Lodge was established in Tunis in 1861 under French influence. You are correct that it is a stretch for educated elites to be carrying marked swords in the interior, but we don't know the provenances of the marked sword blades that have been shown by our Forum membership. Maybe Briggs' examples came from links to some of those elites.

History of Freemasonry in Tunis:
https://uglafrica.org/tunisia/

Other reference works, some major, are available on-line.

Ed

Jim McDougall · 11th January 2026, 12:17 AM

Not at all Ed, you have done more extensive research on these topics and subject matter than anyone else I have seen, and I've been at this a while

You have experienced some of these kinds of connections that reflect the potential for these early traditions extending into modern times (1960s etc) with high ranking officials in Egyptian and Sudanese cultural conventions.

The Ottomans were keenly aware of diplomatic channels and this kind of networking between fraternal and theological elements seems quite reasonable. While complex, there are likely more distinct answers ahead, but for now this idea seems a good potential explanation.

Meanwhile, Pieje I think you have a sound kaskara example with a potentially significant blade. Thank you for sharing it here.

All best regards
Jim

Pieje · 11th January 2026, 01:27 PM

Thank you all for the info!

I tried google AI on one side of the blade, "classic Arabic proverb", something like "origin/birth and death are one, and who doesn't die by the sword, will die by something else". Meaning, I guess, that everyone shares the same destiny. And inevitability of death.
Other side is more difficult, will need to take better pics.

Jim McDougall · 11th January 2026, 04:10 PM

Well done Pieje!
Here I would point out, as pertains to the theory Ed has notably placed, that type of theme is well known in Masonic dogma, typically known as the 'memento mori' (=Lat. , remember you too shall die). This is the notion behind the skull and crossbones symbolism commonly present in varied regalia etc of Freemasonry.

Pieje · 11th January 2026, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Well done Pieje!
Here I would point out, as pertains to the theory Ed has notably placed, that type of theme is well known in Masonic dogma, typically known as the 'memento mori' (=Lat. , remember you too shall die). This is the notion behind the skull and crossbones symbolism commonly present in varied regalia etc of Freemasonry.

True! Good thinking!
Until some years ago, I had some of these skulls in my collection.

stephen wood · 5th April 2026, 03:22 PM

I sometimes think the Enigmatic Marking resembles a plan of the Kaaba Mosque 🕌

https://art.thewalters.org/object/48.1307/

Edster · 6th April 2026, 12:50 AM

Stephen,

Yes, there is a good resemblance. Maybe the Mark is of some sort of sub rosa hajj collective, maybe like a hajj tattoo of shared remembrance.

Your guess is certainly as good or better than most previously offered.

Best regards,
Ed

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10th January 2026, 10:47 PM	#1
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 452	Jim, I realize it's a big stretch, but certainly plausible. Thanks for not hooting me down. The Freemasons were attractive to certain Ottoman elites and middle class professionals. Many lodges were established in Ottoman cities including those in North Africa in the 1835 -76 era.The first Lodge was established in Tunis in 1861 under French influence. You are correct that it is a stretch for educated elites to be carrying marked swords in the interior, but we don't know the provenances of the marked sword blades that have been shown by our Forum membership. Maybe Briggs' examples came from links to some of those elites. History of Freemasonry in Tunis: https://uglafrica.org/tunisia/ Other reference works, some major, are available on-line. Ed

11th January 2026, 12:17 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,870	Not at all Ed, you have done more extensive research on these topics and subject matter than anyone else I have seen, and I've been at this a while You have experienced some of these kinds of connections that reflect the potential for these early traditions extending into modern times (1960s etc) with high ranking officials in Egyptian and Sudanese cultural conventions. The Ottomans were keenly aware of diplomatic channels and this kind of networking between fraternal and theological elements seems quite reasonable. While complex, there are likely more distinct answers ahead, but for now this idea seems a good potential explanation. Meanwhile, Pieje I think you have a sound kaskara example with a potentially significant blade. Thank you for sharing it here. All best regards Jim

11th January 2026, 01:27 PM	#3
Pieje Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 143	Thank you all for the info! I tried google AI on one side of the blade, "classic Arabic proverb", something like "origin/birth and death are one, and who doesn't die by the sword, will die by something else". Meaning, I guess, that everyone shares the same destiny. And inevitability of death. Other side is more difficult, will need to take better pics.

11th January 2026, 04:10 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,870	Well done Pieje! Here I would point out, as pertains to the theory Ed has notably placed, that type of theme is well known in Masonic dogma, typically known as the 'memento mori' (=Lat. , remember you too shall die). This is the notion behind the skull and crossbones symbolism commonly present in varied regalia etc of Freemasonry.

5th April 2026, 03:22 PM	#6
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 228	I sometimes think the Enigmatic Marking resembles a plan of the Kaaba Mosque 🕌 https://art.thewalters.org/object/48.1307/

6th April 2026, 12:50 AM	#7
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 452	Stephen, Yes, there is a good resemblance. Maybe the Mark is of some sort of sub rosa hajj collective, maybe like a hajj tattoo of shared remembrance. Your guess is certainly as good or better than most previously offered. Best regards, Ed