Teodor,
Some shi'a of contemporary Iran beat themselves across the back with chains, bringing blood. No doubt this practice has a historical roots, but I haven't researched it lately. I don't recall reading of any self flagellation among Mahdists and Sudanese in general. Scarification is another matter as tribal identification, but not as far as I know a Islamic ritual. Of course, specialists could know of details available to serious detailed study.
Maybe officials of the Turkiya/Egyptian government in Sudan may have used a baton between 1821-1885. Can't say.
Best,
Ed
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