Late XVII century Kaskara ?

TVV · 27th April 2023, 06:40 AM

Brass and silver inlay is found on axes from Sudan. Here is an image of one, I believe the source is Auctions Imperial and hopefully Oliver would not mind me posting it here:
Name: Sudan Axe 009b.jpg
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Name: Sudan Axe 009b.jpg
Views: 1398
Size: 62.5 KB

You are absolutely right though that this type of decoration is quite rare on kaskara blades. I was able to find this blade, which has inlay, and that is about all I know of:

Name: Kaskara 118d.jpg
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Name: Kaskara 118d.jpg
Views: 1416
Size: 652.6 KB

Jim McDougall · 27th April 2023, 07:25 PM

The history of the 'kaskara' is complex, and as often discussed over the years, that term is unknown in Sudan for these broadswords simply known as sa'if.
While these became widely used and known through the Sudan during the Mahdiyya, they were not especially so during earlier times, with tribesmen typically armed with spears, axes etc.

Until then the possession and use of broadswords was pretty much held to ranking figures of various station, and primarily related to the Mamluk state in Sennar and the Funj dynasty. While not well versed in the complexities of all this, my point is that to presume this example is 17th century is more than unlikely, and like many, if not even most Islamic swords of this high stature, usually commemorative.

The powerful figures of the past are very much celebrated with kaskara of these kinds, and the mention of Ali Dinar is a great case in point. Swords reputed to be those of important figures are often held as such, despite being more modern creation.

The evolution of the familiar Sudanese kaskara as a form which has become emblematic of the Sudan is much in the fashion of the so called Omani 'kattara' which has become symbolic there despite being a late arrival there in its familiar form which dates only into early 1800s.

Looking at an example of a kaskara of the Funj Sultanate in Sennar said to be of 18th century Nasir ibn Badi (attached) the hilt style is clearly what is termed 'kasallawi' (=from Kasalla, Reed, 1987) and typically associated with Ali Dinar, the last sultan of Darfur. The familiar X on the crossguard is deemed of this 'Darfur' type (after Reed, 1987), and on the example Mauro has posted.

It does seem that Darfur had a keen propensity for elaborately appointed 'kaskara' and often of commemorative character. There are numbers of examples with various religiously aligned characters and symbols, the snake with possible Sufi connection (this is on many Sudanese blades) the dual moons are a cosmologically related device seen sometimes with the 'Lohr' panels on some blades.

Next is my example of the 'Kasallawi' form, again deemed of Ali Dinar form according to apocryphal associations, this one in fact is purported to be from his armory. He was killed by British forces in 1914, during insurgency in Darfur.

Clearly both these kaskara reflect character more of the periods they were actually produced or at least hilted in. The sunburst device is something I have seen noted in Ed's outstanding work on Sudanese arms and if I recall is seen on an even more modern instance of kaskara .

The example Mauro has posted is an outstanding example which despite likely more modern creation reflects profoundly important tradition in the Sudan, and as blades were often remounted many times, and embellished with such commemorative motif, it is hard to say exactly how old the blade actually is.

I have been fascinated by these swords of the Sudan for many years, and it seems the more I think I learn, the more questions there are. These observations are meant as part of my own learning process, so hope they will be useful, and always look forward to any correction.

Rick · 27th April 2023, 07:45 PM

JIm, regarding the two kaskara hilts shown in the above post by you; a question, has anyone come up with a meaning or origin of the mark on the right hand blade? Does this mark signify european or local manufacture?
The Kaskara that I own has this same mark, and maybe my memory is failing me but I can't remember whether it was identified.

Jim McDougall · 28th April 2023, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

JIm, regarding the two kaskara hilts shown in the above post by you; a question, has anyone come up with a meaning or origin of the mark on the right hand blade? Does this mark signify european or local manufacture?
The Kaskara that I own has this same mark, and maybe my memory is failing me but I can't remember whether it was identified.

Rick, you and I are likely on same memory issues, but this strange mark as far as I know has never been identified. I recall we termed it the 'enigma' and there were notions that it might be related to some of the unusual marks seen in Briggs (1965). I recall even thinking it might have been related to some Sudanese cattle brands, which had a moment of promise but no further support.
It seems you and I have the only examples of this mark (that I can recall), but these discussions were 14 or more years ago, and I think I've had the sword for about 20 years or so.
The mark does not indicate European source for the blade, but it may be a copy of one.
Really hoped we'd find some solution, but there are many 'enigmas' with these weapons.......shaver cool man!

Rick · 28th April 2023, 04:08 PM

Thanks Jim, I guess my incipient dementia isn't that bad after all..
The mystery continues then.

27th April 2023, 06:40 AM	#1
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,616	Brass and silver inlay is found on axes from Sudan. Here is an image of one, I believe the source is Auctions Imperial and hopefully Oliver would not mind me posting it here: You are absolutely right though that this type of decoration is quite rare on kaskara blades. I was able to find this blade, which has inlay, and that is about all I know of:

27th April 2023, 07:25 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,896	The history of the 'kaskara' is complex, and as often discussed over the years, that term is unknown in Sudan for these broadswords simply known as sa'if. While these became widely used and known through the Sudan during the Mahdiyya, they were not especially so during earlier times, with tribesmen typically armed with spears, axes etc. Until then the possession and use of broadswords was pretty much held to ranking figures of various station, and primarily related to the Mamluk state in Sennar and the Funj dynasty. While not well versed in the complexities of all this, my point is that to presume this example is 17th century is more than unlikely, and like many, if not even most Islamic swords of this high stature, usually commemorative. The powerful figures of the past are very much celebrated with kaskara of these kinds, and the mention of Ali Dinar is a great case in point. Swords reputed to be those of important figures are often held as such, despite being more modern creation. The evolution of the familiar Sudanese kaskara as a form which has become emblematic of the Sudan is much in the fashion of the so called Omani 'kattara' which has become symbolic there despite being a late arrival there in its familiar form which dates only into early 1800s. Looking at an example of a kaskara of the Funj Sultanate in Sennar said to be of 18th century Nasir ibn Badi (attached) the hilt style is clearly what is termed 'kasallawi' (=from Kasalla, Reed, 1987) and typically associated with Ali Dinar, the last sultan of Darfur. The familiar X on the crossguard is deemed of this 'Darfur' type (after Reed, 1987), and on the example Mauro has posted. It does seem that Darfur had a keen propensity for elaborately appointed 'kaskara' and often of commemorative character. There are numbers of examples with various religiously aligned characters and symbols, the snake with possible Sufi connection (this is on many Sudanese blades) the dual moons are a cosmologically related device seen sometimes with the 'Lohr' panels on some blades. Next is my example of the 'Kasallawi' form, again deemed of Ali Dinar form according to apocryphal associations, this one in fact is purported to be from his armory. He was killed by British forces in 1914, during insurgency in Darfur. Clearly both these kaskara reflect character more of the periods they were actually produced or at least hilted in. The sunburst device is something I have seen noted in Ed's outstanding work on Sudanese arms and if I recall is seen on an even more modern instance of kaskara . The example Mauro has posted is an outstanding example which despite likely more modern creation reflects profoundly important tradition in the Sudan, and as blades were often remounted many times, and embellished with such commemorative motif, it is hard to say exactly how old the blade actually is. I have been fascinated by these swords of the Sudan for many years, and it seems the more I think I learn, the more questions there are. These observations are meant as part of my own learning process, so hope they will be useful, and always look forward to any correction. Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 27th April 2023 at 07:50 PM.

27th April 2023, 07:45 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,288	JIm, regarding the two kaskara hilts shown in the above post by you; a question, has anyone come up with a meaning or origin of the mark on the right hand blade? Does this mark signify european or local manufacture? The Kaskara that I own has this same mark, and maybe my memory is failing me but I can't remember whether it was identified.

28th April 2023, 04:08 PM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,288	Thanks Jim, I guess my incipient dementia isn't that bad after all.. The mystery continues then.