What can anyone tell me about this?

Gary Varner · 15th August 2007, 12:26 AM

Thanks Jim for your interesting observations! Yes, the dagger does look like the typical size of the arm dagger (at least what I have seen in photographs). The "S" mark, by the way, is on both sides of the blade. I suppose this is one of those cases where we will never truly know the meaning of the symbol but I certainly am inclined to go with your idea that it may represent a double-curved ritual weapon since, in looking at the "S" more closely myself, it appears that it is a joined curve rather than a correct "S". I suppose that could be due to the difficulty in the engraving though.

If you happen to think of any additional possibilities I would be most pleased to hear them!

Thanks,

Gary

Jim McDougall · 15th August 2007, 07:09 AM

Hi Gary,
I had thought this was probably of arm dagger size, thank you for confirming. The 'S' appeared more to be two opposed and conjoined semicircles, much in the same profile as these ritual dagger/ haladie weapons, so the representation seemed plausible. I will let you know if anything else comes up, the associations possible between these markings sometimes found on Sudanese blades and objects, and tribal symbols becomes compelling.
All the best,
Jim

15th August 2007, 12:26 AM	#1
Gary Varner Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 18	Thanks Jim for your interesting observations! Yes, the dagger does look like the typical size of the arm dagger (at least what I have seen in photographs). The "S" mark, by the way, is on both sides of the blade. I suppose this is one of those cases where we will never truly know the meaning of the symbol but I certainly am inclined to go with your idea that it may represent a double-curved ritual weapon since, in looking at the "S" more closely myself, it appears that it is a joined curve rather than a correct "S". I suppose that could be due to the difficulty in the engraving though. If you happen to think of any additional possibilities I would be most pleased to hear them! Thanks, Gary

15th August 2007, 07:09 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Hi Gary, I had thought this was probably of arm dagger size, thank you for confirming. The 'S' appeared more to be two opposed and conjoined semicircles, much in the same profile as these ritual dagger/ haladie weapons, so the representation seemed plausible. I will let you know if anything else comes up, the associations possible between these markings sometimes found on Sudanese blades and objects, and tribal symbols becomes compelling. All the best, Jim