Mahdist sword calligraphy

Jim McDougall · 23rd September 2019, 04:08 PM

Thank you guys for the analysis of these calligraphic inscriptions. As mentioned earlier, these inscriptions, in the style of decorative motif, were intended to literally cover the blade, thus the perceived talismanic imbuement.
The phrases are often from Quranic verses, and perhaps dates in a commemorative sense. It seems there have been other interpretations analyzing these scripts which include dates not consistent with the period of the Mahdiyya, in which these weapons originate.
As Khartoum was originally the center of the Mahdist movement after its capture in 1885, it is likely it may be included in these wordings.

Pieje · 24th September 2019, 12:09 AM

Great info, thx!

Here a larger picture of both sides, maybe easier to read.

24th September 2019, 12:09 AM	#2
Pieje Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 132	Great info, thx! Here a larger picture of both sides, maybe easier to read. Attached Images

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23rd September 2019, 04:08 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Thank you guys for the analysis of these calligraphic inscriptions. As mentioned earlier, these inscriptions, in the style of decorative motif, were intended to literally cover the blade, thus the perceived talismanic imbuement. The phrases are often from Quranic verses, and perhaps dates in a commemorative sense. It seems there have been other interpretations analyzing these scripts which include dates not consistent with the period of the Mahdiyya, in which these weapons originate. As Khartoum was originally the center of the Mahdist movement after its capture in 1885, it is likely it may be included in these wordings.