Thanks very much for the closeups Ericlaude, these croc covered kaskara are really intriguing examples, and there has always been lots on controversy about whether these were actually worn or as Lew notes, interesting souveniers.
I think these were definitely worn, but not by those who were typically standing for photos, and I believe there may be other reasons behind the macabre dress on them. I have always believed there were totemic values in the application of these hides, and this has been confirmed in some degree by individuals from Sudan I have talked with. Also, weapons with these coverings are among holdings in a prominant collection of Mahdist period artifacts and described in the accompanying exhibition catalog from about ten years ago.
Dom, as always, superbly done!!!! I have always wondered just how much these thuluth script renderings would have held in decipherable wording, and how much would have been stylized calligraphy, as often described. The beauty of the script is profoundly effective regardless.
All best regards,
Jim
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