Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 153:
This sword is characteristic of the swords of Sudan, Darfur, Kanem-Bornu (Chad) and Nubia andis currently referred to as a kaskara. The kaskara is a broadsword, with a long straight blade witha central grove with two cutting edges. The cruciform hilt has a straight cross guard with twolanguets. The quillons are often flared and usually are long, straight and end in a T-shaped form.The crossguard center has upper and lower languets. The wooden grip is usually wrapped withleather such as this example and with a disc shaped pommel. These swords are usually one yardin length. There are some regional differences in the types of kaskara especially with respect tothe form of the crossguard.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is an example with a distinct style of blade known inboth Ethiopia and the Sudan with talismanic inscriptions. The crossguard of this sword mostclosely resembles the style of crossguard called the "Mutamaan" which has a diamond shape atthe ends, but with eight facets, hence the name deriving from the Arabic word for eight, tamaanye. The blade of this sword, attributed in the Schmiedt Collection has a locally madeblade with a three thin full length fullers etched with non-decipherable symbols likely oftalismanic significance. This type of blade is called khar hongoog (straw canal). Sudaneseblades often have inscriptions in Arabic thuluth script etched onto the blades, but there is asubset of blades where the smith decided to provide the same effect but without any legible set ofwritings. Most often inscriptions are religious in nature from the Quran, but also these weaponssometimes bear the names of places of production like Omdurman and manufacturing dates.These calligraphic ornamentations were placed purposefully and even the interpretations such asthose on this blade, acted in general as magical and symbolic elements. This blade also has adistinct chiseled symbol of a rampant lion called a Dukare affringe.The scabbard is a good quality example mounted with silver fittings an enlarged bouterolle.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 43 1/2" Blade Length : 39 1/2"References:1. Stone, G. C. (1934). A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms andArmor in All Countries and in All Times. Mineola NY: Dover Publications.2. Spring, Christopher (1993). African arms and armour. British Museum Press3. Pradines, Stephane & Khorasani, Manouchehr. (2018). SUFI IN WAR: PERSIAN INFLUENCEON AFRICAN WEAPONRY IN 19TH CENTURY MAHDIST SUDAN.4. Hunley, E. (1984) The Social Economics of Small Craft Production: The Sword andKnife Makers of Kassala, Eastern Sudan. Dissertation. State University of New York atBinghamton5. Hunley. E. â€Å“The Sudanese Kaskara Sword in Silver Dress.â€ÂDetailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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