Lee,
Very good point on the Omani kattara (has anyone also thought of how much that terms sounds like kaskara?) which evolved from the medieval Arab broadswords as well of course. It is interesting that these Omani swords also began sporting trade blades, again typically German, sometime in the 18th century. It is interesting to note that these typically have a rounded blade tip, much like the Saharan takouba. One would wonder what one would have to do with the other given the considerable distance geographically, but of course again...trade...there are many distinct associations between the very active Omani traders and the Sahara. The presence of Omani swords in Zanzibar is well known with its Sultanate there, and trade entered cross African routes via Ethiopian centers into Darfur, then westward to Mali. The familiar Manding sabres which have the Omani style guardless hilt and the scabbards with flared tip as kaskaras seem compelling evidence of the connections.
Radu, this brings us to your very well made point on the Saharan point of contact where the takouba, and of course where the origins of the kaskara may be found. The common use of the imported blades is apparant, yet the hilt design is typically quite different, with the takouba's block type crossguard.
Here is an interesting thought, the point of entry for trade blades and commerce from Oman would have been via Zanzibar and likely Red Sea ports then westward to Saharan/Tuareg regions. The entry for European blades was primarily via Tunis and Moroccan ports, then southward to Kano, then to the east. It would be interesting to find the confluence of these routes and the movement of the blades, and more on how these routes might have changed in different centuries. Which was more prevalent, maritime or caravan trade, and to which regions? or were both equally present.
You make a very good point as well on the romanticized notions relating the blades to the crusaders that I had forgotten about, of course the locals who were hawking the swords would have used such hyperbole to excite travellers from other countries, and narrators would have capitalized on such material. BTW, my reference to 'Victorian' actually referred more to the style of such writing which was as pronounced in non-European places such as America, but they were as equally susceptible to such stories.
Tom, its good to have your input on this as you always have keen observations on the construction and elements of sword components and its is important to consider these factors. Actually, I believe you are quite right on the langets of the kaskara, and I admit I have never seen one taken down or without grip cover. In examining the examples I have, I cannot really tell as the grips are so tightly wrapped, and I could not see the telltale rise under the wrap that would suggest the langet wrapped over as in Persian, Arab examples as you have noted. Your point and observation are very well taken, and appreciated, thank you for clarifying that. Excellent!
Any thoughts on the discoid wheel shaped pommel placed horizontally on the Darfur examples? It seems the pommels on European medieval swords are typically placed vertically, where might the flat placement of the pommel have originated?
This is what is great about discussions here, the range of knowledge and perspective of those participating with varying aspects of the subject weapon being viewed accordingly. The flat disc on regular Sudanese kaskaras also.
Thanks very much guys!!!
All the best,
Jim
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