Thanks for your observation/image, Martin. You're correct that there may be a substantial link between the Funj and Ethiopia and other nearby Christian states and the origin of the kaskara. There were a few Christian kingdoms remaining near Ethiopia after the Funj defeated the main one (can't recall its name just now) with capital near present day Khartoum.
I found this thread after the Essay has gone to press. Discussion on this subject herein.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...Kaskara+blades
Also Kubur presented this 1845 image in that same thread. Others have been shown previously by others.
Regards,
Ed