My last Beja Dagger!?

colin henshaw · 18th April 2009, 06:13 PM

Hi Lew

Great set of Beja daggers. I read somewhere that the "U" and "S" shaped varieties were used for ham-stringing ?

Here are some pictures of the Hadendowa, (called Fuzzy-Wuzzy in colonial times), from an old magazine article, that you might like to see...

Regards
Colin

Jim McDougall · 18th April 2009, 08:05 PM

Uh, OK Lew!!! the last one

.....
What a beauty though, and I can see why acquiring it would seem as if you had reached the zenith of this excellent grouping.

Every time I look at these distinctly hilted daggers, I cannot help thinking of the chilanum of India, and its anthromorphically inspired hilt form. It is known of course that the trade from India was a constant in the Red sea trade, and interesting to look to the east from India for many sources for influence in Africa.
The interesting hook type end of many of these has also often reminded me of the ceremonial type swords of India which have had this curious right angled blade deviation since ancient times. I think this might be the direction in looking for possible symbolic meaning or influences in these shapes.
Beyond that, pragmatically I have heard the explanation noted by Colin, for hamstringing.
BTW, Colin, I do recall the equally ancient National Geographic article those pictures came from, I think it was about a 1928 issue!!! Fantastic stuff looking through these old magazines, so close to contemporary, and of course these weapons were then, and still are in use.

On another note on the hooked daggers. In conversations with a Beja gentleman from Eritrea, who I came to know quite well over a few years, he told me these were actually used by the Afar (often called Danakil). He still had family in Eritrea, and shared with me a video of the tribesmen using various weapons including kaskaras in dancing ceremonies.

All the best,
Jim

Emanuel · 18th April 2009, 08:28 PM

Nice one Lew! I've been dreaming of one of those for a while.

The one you posted at the top of the thread brings to mind a bolo of khukri, with a heavy wide-belly good for chopping instead of stabbing or cutting.

Congrats on a great set. Also thanks Colin for the pictures, they're awesome!

Emanuel

asomotif · 18th April 2009, 11:31 PM

Nice daggers.

And also very nice shields. (thanks for sharing these fuzzie pictures)
Would love to get hold of one of those shields.

Ferguson · 19th April 2009, 02:14 AM

Excellent piece! Congrats!
Steve

18th April 2009, 06:13 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Hi Lew Great set of Beja daggers. I read somewhere that the "U" and "S" shaped varieties were used for ham-stringing ? Here are some pictures of the Hadendowa, (called Fuzzy-Wuzzy in colonial times), from an old magazine article, that you might like to see... Regards Colin Attached Images

18th April 2009, 08:05 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Uh, OK Lew!!! the last one ..... What a beauty though, and I can see why acquiring it would seem as if you had reached the zenith of this excellent grouping. Every time I look at these distinctly hilted daggers, I cannot help thinking of the chilanum of India, and its anthromorphically inspired hilt form. It is known of course that the trade from India was a constant in the Red sea trade, and interesting to look to the east from India for many sources for influence in Africa. The interesting hook type end of many of these has also often reminded me of the ceremonial type swords of India which have had this curious right angled blade deviation since ancient times. I think this might be the direction in looking for possible symbolic meaning or influences in these shapes. Beyond that, pragmatically I have heard the explanation noted by Colin, for hamstringing. BTW, Colin, I do recall the equally ancient National Geographic article those pictures came from, I think it was about a 1928 issue!!! Fantastic stuff looking through these old magazines, so close to contemporary, and of course these weapons were then, and still are in use. On another note on the hooked daggers. In conversations with a Beja gentleman from Eritrea, who I came to know quite well over a few years, he told me these were actually used by the Afar (often called Danakil). He still had family in Eritrea, and shared with me a video of the tribesmen using various weapons including kaskaras in dancing ceremonies. All the best, Jim

18th April 2009, 08:28 PM	#3
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Nice one Lew! I've been dreaming of one of those for a while. The one you posted at the top of the thread brings to mind a bolo of khukri, with a heavy wide-belly good for chopping instead of stabbing or cutting. Congrats on a great set. Also thanks Colin for the pictures, they're awesome! Emanuel

18th April 2009, 11:31 PM	#4
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,228	Nice daggers. And also very nice shields. (thanks for sharing these fuzzie pictures) Would love to get hold of one of those shields.

19th April 2009, 02:14 AM	#5
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	Excellent piece! Congrats! Steve