Mysterious Markings on a Kaskara...

Jim McDougall · 28th July 2009, 06:05 PM

Its great to get the discussion going toward these symbolic markings, and to see collectively the variations that seem to be found on these kaskara blades. It seems that in many, if not most cases, the celestial decoration on kaskara blades seem to represent these symbolic markings seen on the 'talismanic' blades of Europe which often found thier way to North Africa in trade.
Most of these are reasonably recognizable in the star, the sun figure and the 'man in the moon'. Since such celestial themes are often key to many tenets of folk religion and its symbolism, it would seem they were readily adopted by native armourers.
The comet idea is compelling, and the two examples of the unusual stylized shape are of a form I've not seen before. It is interesting to see the different markings found on these kaskara blades, and Stephen, I think I have seen the bird image you mentioned, but not the star (the pentagram type?).

I really am not aware of an arsenal mark for Omdurman, but it would be interesting to discover more on that. I have always thought that most of the thuluth application on the Mahdist weapons was done there, but do not recall any significant marks on these various weapons that might suggest such an arsenal marking.

The only marking I have taken for an actual arsenal mark is the horned disc seen on the kaskara I think Rick posted, near the langet, and I have seen on at least two others. It seems reasonably certain these kaskara with this mark are from Darfur, and may be associated with Sultan Ali Dinar. Darfur was not extensively participative in the Mahdist movement, and Ali Dinar was the last Sultan of Darfur, and of the period up to the First World War.

Colin, good observation on that diagonal line space filling.

I hope we can keep the discussion going on these kaskara markings. While we have of course had a great run on European sword blade markings, which of course apply here in many cases indirectly, it would be great to learn more on the native applications.

All best regards,
Jim

Jeff D · 2nd August 2009, 08:31 PM

Hi All,

Sorry about jumping in late on this one. While I personally feel it looks like the Philadelphia Flyer symbol, Dr Lloyd Cabot Briggs shows a couple examples of this mark on Tuareg swords.( The Journal of The Arms and Armour Society Vol. V No. 2, European Blades in Tuareg Swords and Daggers ) Sample B belonged to a Tuareg Chief from Air, Sample C belonged to a noble of the Kel Rela tribe of Ahaggar. He comments that they appeared locally applied and seem to be over older European marks. He has no idea of their meaning.

All the Best
Jeff

Rick · 2nd August 2009, 09:10 PM

Hi Jim,

Just a late comment on the marking on my Kaskara; it is struck into both sides of the blade .

stephen wood · 10th August 2009, 12:31 PM

...so the marking that Briggs recorded on takoubas have turned up on kaskaras and some of them correspond to Palme's mid-19th century description.

2nd August 2009, 08:31 PM	#2
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Hi All, Sorry about jumping in late on this one. While I personally feel it looks like the Philadelphia Flyer symbol, Dr Lloyd Cabot Briggs shows a couple examples of this mark on Tuareg swords.( The Journal of The Arms and Armour Society Vol. V No. 2, European Blades in Tuareg Swords and Daggers ) Sample B belonged to a Tuareg Chief from Air, Sample C belonged to a noble of the Kel Rela tribe of Ahaggar. He comments that they appeared locally applied and seem to be over older European marks. He has no idea of their meaning. All the Best Jeff Attached Images

28th July 2009, 06:05 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	Its great to get the discussion going toward these symbolic markings, and to see collectively the variations that seem to be found on these kaskara blades. It seems that in many, if not most cases, the celestial decoration on kaskara blades seem to represent these symbolic markings seen on the 'talismanic' blades of Europe which often found thier way to North Africa in trade. Most of these are reasonably recognizable in the star, the sun figure and the 'man in the moon'. Since such celestial themes are often key to many tenets of folk religion and its symbolism, it would seem they were readily adopted by native armourers. The comet idea is compelling, and the two examples of the unusual stylized shape are of a form I've not seen before. It is interesting to see the different markings found on these kaskara blades, and Stephen, I think I have seen the bird image you mentioned, but not the star (the pentagram type?). I really am not aware of an arsenal mark for Omdurman, but it would be interesting to discover more on that. I have always thought that most of the thuluth application on the Mahdist weapons was done there, but do not recall any significant marks on these various weapons that might suggest such an arsenal marking. The only marking I have taken for an actual arsenal mark is the horned disc seen on the kaskara I think Rick posted, near the langet, and I have seen on at least two others. It seems reasonably certain these kaskara with this mark are from Darfur, and may be associated with Sultan Ali Dinar. Darfur was not extensively participative in the Mahdist movement, and Ali Dinar was the last Sultan of Darfur, and of the period up to the First World War. Colin, good observation on that diagonal line space filling. I hope we can keep the discussion going on these kaskara markings. While we have of course had a great run on European sword blade markings, which of course apply here in many cases indirectly, it would be great to learn more on the native applications. All best regards, Jim

2nd August 2009, 09:10 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Hi Jim, Just a late comment on the marking on my Kaskara; it is struck into both sides of the blade .

10th August 2009, 12:31 PM	#4
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	...so the marking that Briggs recorded on takoubas have turned up on kaskaras and some of them correspond to Palme's mid-19th century description.