Early XX century (?) Kaskara with decoration

Jim McDougall · 4th November 2009, 06:00 AM

Hi Mauro,
Thank you for sharing this kaskara example, and for adding the link to the similar example from the earlier auction. It is my impression that this is indeed a quite modern interpretation incorporating various traditional kaskara characteristics of earlier times. As you have noted, these swords remain a traditional accessory which are worn on special occasions, and certainly considered a status symbol among prominant tribal figures.

The style of the hilt is interpretive, and is intended to represent the hilts of Darfur of 19th century, the interesting zigzag decoration loosely recalling the harlequin diamond pattern often seen on these hilts, as well as the discoid pommel also with similar geometric motif. The gold gilt ? or coloring and wire wrap seem unusual.....the crossguard is of what is considered 'Hausa' type with distinctly knob type quillon terminals. These are also contrary to the flared quillons of Darfur examples, and less so, even straight bar crossguards seen on regular Anglo-Egyptian Sudan types.

The blade, also representing earlier European forms shows the acid discoloring from the etched panels and floral motif, popular on earlier Darfur blades and the thuluth etchings on the simpler kaskaras of Mahdist period.
The paired moons, another Hausa distinction on kaskaras (Briggs) are termed 'dukari' and evolved probably talismanically from the blades from Europe in earlier times.

Im not aware of any particular significance of the rose in the Sudan or Darfur as far as being distinctive to a particular owner, but more a decorative floral to enhance the panels with the devotional phrases.

Nicely done example of these very traditional weapons that remain important to tribal figures in these regions. Even the very old blades are, as in many cultures, remounted and refurbished as they change hands as heirlooms.
Scabbards were apparantly often red or brown goatskin, and the black paintover on this is very curious, perhaps whoever acquired it sought to dramatize the gold metal on the hilt.

Best regards,
Jim

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4th November 2009, 06:00 AM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi Mauro, Thank you for sharing this kaskara example, and for adding the link to the similar example from the earlier auction. It is my impression that this is indeed a quite modern interpretation incorporating various traditional kaskara characteristics of earlier times. As you have noted, these swords remain a traditional accessory which are worn on special occasions, and certainly considered a status symbol among prominant tribal figures. The style of the hilt is interpretive, and is intended to represent the hilts of Darfur of 19th century, the interesting zigzag decoration loosely recalling the harlequin diamond pattern often seen on these hilts, as well as the discoid pommel also with similar geometric motif. The gold gilt ? or coloring and wire wrap seem unusual.....the crossguard is of what is considered 'Hausa' type with distinctly knob type quillon terminals. These are also contrary to the flared quillons of Darfur examples, and less so, even straight bar crossguards seen on regular Anglo-Egyptian Sudan types. The blade, also representing earlier European forms shows the acid discoloring from the etched panels and floral motif, popular on earlier Darfur blades and the thuluth etchings on the simpler kaskaras of Mahdist period. The paired moons, another Hausa distinction on kaskaras (Briggs) are termed 'dukari' and evolved probably talismanically from the blades from Europe in earlier times. Im not aware of any particular significance of the rose in the Sudan or Darfur as far as being distinctive to a particular owner, but more a decorative floral to enhance the panels with the devotional phrases. Nicely done example of these very traditional weapons that remain important to tribal figures in these regions. Even the very old blades are, as in many cultures, remounted and refurbished as they change hands as heirlooms. Scabbards were apparantly often red or brown goatskin, and the black paintover on this is very curious, perhaps whoever acquired it sought to dramatize the gold metal on the hilt. Best regards, Jim