Mahdist knife

[Freddy]

I found this one yesterday on a Belgian auction site. I think it comes from the Sudan. It has a 'Mahdist' feel to it with the Arabic inscriptions on the blade.

It was the blade which interested me. Has anyone seen this on an African blade ? Looks Indian to me, or am I wrong ?

Length is 27 cm.

I'll send better pics when it arrives.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/43454130_3-nog-5-stuks-kortzwaard-e.jpg

[Tim Simmons]

Nice and very interesting! When you get it post better pictures showing the script. :cool:

[Freddy]

Looks old, no ? :)

[Tim Simmons]

Looks old and African, if I say Sudan it will be in the old sense of the word far more than the "Mahdi" "Omdurman" and all that.

[Jim McDougall]

This dagger is most definitely Sudanese, and probably an early to mid 20th century interpretation of those fashioned by Mahdist armourers during those conflicts. The basic form reflects the kindjhals often carried by Turco-Egyptian troops, which was often imitated by local smiths and an example of this exact type blade is shown in the catalog for the Kendall Collection exhibition (Linz & Schallaberg, Austria, 2001-2002).

The bifurcated blade of course is intended as an interpretation reflecting the very sacred Sword used by Muhammed, Dhu'l Faqar, and the thuluth script acid etched on the blade is typical of those on Sudanese edged weapons associated with the Mahdist period

[Tim Simmons]

Freddy, I have just gambled on this. I do believe I can see a version of the inscription "The conqueror, salvation unto him" so we both have things to compere. I have a similar axe pretty much the same size 26 inches long but without the copper? inlay.

[Jim McDougall]

"...axes were popular among the Mahdist troops, and many were used in the butchery of Khartoum when the city fell"

"...some had elegant crescent shaped blades", further, "...the grips are normally wrapped in crocodile skin".

"Ten Years of Captivity in the Mahdis Camp"
F.R.Wingate, Cairo, 1892

A highly decorative example has its entire surface covered with elaborate acide etched 'thuluth' with additional brass calligraphic inlays.
Kendall, 2001

[Freddy]

Nice axe, Tim.

As promised here are the pics. I just received the piece and it looks great. I hope someone can read the text.

It still has its original leather covered wooden scabbard. This knife is sharp and functional.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Mahdiknife1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Mahdiknife2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Mahdiknife3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Mahdiknife4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Mahdiknife5.jpg

[Tim Simmons]

Looks good and old to me. Very nice. I should be working but I sold some work yesterday and to my amazement got payed. So my discipline has gone astray today.

I think the script is a version of this. I believe the version seen on weapons like this is not the most pure form however when one thinks of its use as decoration freely applied as we see here, some artistic license should be expected. Note the first symbol at the bottom rather like a number 3 round the wrong way. The axe should be with me Tuesday.

[Jim McDougall]

Most interesting guys, thanks very much.

[Jim McDougall]

Tim, just noticed the reference you're using......thanks again :) and I hadn't thought of checking that . Actually the 'thuluth' script is indeed actually more decorative than distinctly applied calligraphy, and was used in imitation of the beautiful metalwork on Mamluk weapons of Egypt

Looking forward to pics of the axe....and its great to see some good Sudanese weapons posted!

Best regards,
Jim

[Tim Simmons]

Arrived today. No idea about the inlay script.

[ward]

The problem with reading many inscriptions on Sudanese pieces is that a lot of it was badly copied from the koran. Often you will see the inscription starting in the middle of a sentence and ending when they ran out of room. Often more talisman and decorative than anything else

[Jim McDougall]

Nice axe, of Mahdist style. It appears that the 'thuluth' and brass inlay is representative of the weapons of Mamluk heritage, and was probably favored in a talismanic or amuletic sense.