Nice engravings on a Kaskara

Jim McDougall · 28th September 2016, 05:29 PM

Beautiful blade!
As always, I would defer to Iain on whether European or not, but I am inclined to think it is one of the 19th c. imports from Solingen, and inscribed by Sudanese artisans. The profuse motif with serpent (representing the python) and the crescent moons in linear and varied configuration have to do with the devotional panels (lohr) in the Islamic Faith along with the folk religious traditions (Briggs, 1967).
The mounts and guard seem typical Kasallawi of more recent times, which is characteristic of heirloom blades refurbished many times through generations. The pale crocodile skin is of the belly and also typical of the hide used in sword decoration from Darfur and into eastern Sudanese areas.

Fantastic example!! Look and compare with other great discussions on these over many years by using our search feature at the top header. Tons of information is archived on these and virtually all sword forms and will add incredible dimension to the appreciation of these weapons.

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28th September 2016, 05:29 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,196	Beautiful blade! As always, I would defer to Iain on whether European or not, but I am inclined to think it is one of the 19th c. imports from Solingen, and inscribed by Sudanese artisans. The profuse motif with serpent (representing the python) and the crescent moons in linear and varied configuration have to do with the devotional panels (lohr) in the Islamic Faith along with the folk religious traditions (Briggs, 1967). The mounts and guard seem typical Kasallawi of more recent times, which is characteristic of heirloom blades refurbished many times through generations. The pale crocodile skin is of the belly and also typical of the hide used in sword decoration from Darfur and into eastern Sudanese areas. Fantastic example!! Look and compare with other great discussions on these over many years by using our search feature at the top header. Tons of information is archived on these and virtually all sword forms and will add incredible dimension to the appreciation of these weapons.