Mahdist sword calligraphy

David R · 21st September 2019, 11:35 PM

Funnily enough, mine had a brass guard as well. Alas, it was sold during a period of poverty.....

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 23rd September 2019, 01:04 PM

Very interesting script in that David is spot on with the repeated word for God throughout the main blade although the cartouche or section near the tang says on one side a date 214 (I think) and after that the word Kartoum… I cant read the other side...

Kubur · 23rd September 2019, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Very interesting script in that David is spot on with the repeated word for God throughout the main blade although the cartouche or section near the tang says on one side a date 214 (I think) and after that the word Kartoum… I cant read the other side...

habibi Ibrahim i think it's 1214 / 1799, it's not the date of the sword, maybe the beginning of something, an anniversary?

Jim McDougall · 23rd September 2019, 04:08 PM

Thank you guys for the analysis of these calligraphic inscriptions. As mentioned earlier, these inscriptions, in the style of decorative motif, were intended to literally cover the blade, thus the perceived talismanic imbuement.
The phrases are often from Quranic verses, and perhaps dates in a commemorative sense. It seems there have been other interpretations analyzing these scripts which include dates not consistent with the period of the Mahdiyya, in which these weapons originate.
As Khartoum was originally the center of the Mahdist movement after its capture in 1885, it is likely it may be included in these wordings.

Pieje · 24th September 2019, 12:09 AM

Great info, thx!

Here a larger picture of both sides, maybe easier to read.

24th September 2019, 12:09 AM	#5
Pieje Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 132	Great info, thx! Here a larger picture of both sides, maybe easier to read. Attached Images

21st September 2019, 11:35 PM	#1
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,116	Funnily enough, mine had a brass guard as well. Alas, it was sold during a period of poverty.....

23rd September 2019, 01:04 PM	#2
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Very interesting script in that David is spot on with the repeated word for God throughout the main blade although the cartouche or section near the tang says on one side a date 214 (I think) and after that the word Kartoum… I cant read the other side...

23rd September 2019, 04:08 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Thank you guys for the analysis of these calligraphic inscriptions. As mentioned earlier, these inscriptions, in the style of decorative motif, were intended to literally cover the blade, thus the perceived talismanic imbuement. The phrases are often from Quranic verses, and perhaps dates in a commemorative sense. It seems there have been other interpretations analyzing these scripts which include dates not consistent with the period of the Mahdiyya, in which these weapons originate. As Khartoum was originally the center of the Mahdist movement after its capture in 1885, it is likely it may be included in these wordings.