Tim, thank you for posting these outstanding Sudanese examples that show key differences in the type of Islamic script and decorative motif.
The stiletto seems relatively unrepresented in most Sudanese weapons groupings I have seen, and this is a great example that illustrates that there are more weapons than the standard forms shown.
The decoration on the axe recalls that seen on Mamluk weapons and material culture, and it would seem that perhaps a great deal of influence from the Mamluks found its way into the Sudan prior to the Mahdiyya. The crescent shaped head on the axe as well as the spear head atop is somewhat similar to forms from 18th century Malabar regions in India (Stone, fig.101, #6), and the curious recurved spike in place of the poll at the back seems of Indian influence also. As has been noted it is difficult to determine with any certainty the routing and sequence of such diffusion of influences, however the similarities in the elements of the weapon reflect reasonable probabilities.
The use of crocodile hide and sometimes, as seen on the stiletto, the foot of a crocodile on hilts is something that appears to have been quite characteristic in the Sudan in weapons. Over the years there have been many discussions concerning this practice, and often there have been the usual suggestions that these weapons were fabricated for the tourist trade. I do not feel this is the case, and examples shown provenanced from the Mahdist period and likely prior seem to have applied crocodile hides to weapons as highly symbolic, with these reptilians both feared and revered for thier power. This was once expressed to me by a gentleman who was of the Fur, and from Darfur. Most Darfur kaskaras I have seen carry a strip of crocodile on the grip of the hilt.
Returning to the original weapon posted here, the haladie. It seems that discussions in some cases have considered that in the Sudan, these may have been considered in a more ceremonial sense. In some material it was further suggested that the dual blades may have corresponded to that characteristic of Dhu'l Faqar, even though this is clearly not a sword, but may have represented the concept.
As mentioned, the Mamluk influence seems well established, and in thier art they often used ivory, as well as the intricate Islamic motif in the metalwork. Since these haladies had white (bone) handles, this may correspond to the use of ivory, and the thuluth represented the intricate motif seen in the metalwork.
I have seen Sudanese 'alem' (huge polearm spearheads used as standards) which carried such intricate metalwork as seen on the axe posted, and chiseled representation of an Islamic ewer.
It would seem that while influences of a number of weapon forms in the Sudan most probably arrived via Arab trade from the Malabar coast, the decorative influences of Mamluk weaponry may have had influence in degree on thier aesthetics and symbolism.
Best regards,
Jim
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