Some more objects from the RDG - kaskara (?) and spears

Jim McDougall · 7th June 2010, 04:01 PM

As David has noted, this Omani 'kattara' does seem rather simple for a presentation item, but it is certainly a sound example of these broadswords which were a virtual mainstay in the trade realm of Oman. These were worn typically, and well into the 20th century by tribesmen in Oman, but many were dramatically embellished with silver mounts and often outstanding fretwork by ranking individuals and wealthy merchant/traders.

These often entered the African sphere through the Red Sea trade as well as into Africas interior via the Omani Sultanate at Zanzibar. I have often thought that perhaps the guardless, cylindrical hilted swords of Mali with the Manding may have derived from these kattara as they were carried trans Sahara by the caravans. The kattara is noted by Burton as a Zanzibar sword with its profound presence there. It should be noted these often were mounted with European trade blades much as the kaskaras.

7th June 2010, 04:01 PM	#30
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	As David has noted, this Omani 'kattara' does seem rather simple for a presentation item, but it is certainly a sound example of these broadswords which were a virtual mainstay in the trade realm of Oman. These were worn typically, and well into the 20th century by tribesmen in Oman, but many were dramatically embellished with silver mounts and often outstanding fretwork by ranking individuals and wealthy merchant/traders. These often entered the African sphere through the Red Sea trade as well as into Africas interior via the Omani Sultanate at Zanzibar. I have often thought that perhaps the guardless, cylindrical hilted swords of Mali with the Manding may have derived from these kattara as they were carried trans Sahara by the caravans. The kattara is noted by Burton as a Zanzibar sword with its profound presence there. It should be noted these often were mounted with European trade blades much as the kaskaras.