Persian or Sudanese dagger

Jim McDougall · 6th October 2021, 03:01 PM

Marius in spot on, this is most certainly Sudanese, and the script is acid etched These acid etched blades were produced with these widely varied weapons probably at shops in Omdurman during the final years of the Mahdiyya. (latter 1880s).
It is believed that these were in varied forms due to the regional affinities to those with the forces from other places in the Mahdist ranks. The Caliph adopted the etched script to imbue the magic and religious invocations of the Mahdi (who had passed in 1885)in these arms.

Years ago it was generally held that these inscriptions were added by illiterate workers, etc. but it has been discovered that these are actual Quranic phrases, but used in repetition along with often Mahdist invocations in a rather decorative or 'Arabesque' manner. Thuluth was one of the various 'pens' of Arabic script, typically used in elementary level often in broad decorative form as in architectural setting, but often used by the Mamluks in their metalwork. The Mamluk influence is thought to be the source of this script in Sudan in degree.

These were often given to chiefs and Holy men among the tribal ranks who ministered to the forces in battle.
While it is often claimed that many of these were simply made for tourists, the numbers of these brought from the field at Omdurman and ensuing battles is remarkable.

This Zulfiqar, or bifurcated blade, indicates this was probably a votive weapon to one of the Holy men.

The Persian assumption is well placed as the Sufi doctrine and influences were thoroughly present in the Sudan in these times.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

6th October 2021, 03:01 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	Marius in spot on, this is most certainly Sudanese, and the script is acid etched These acid etched blades were produced with these widely varied weapons probably at shops in Omdurman during the final years of the Mahdiyya. (latter 1880s). It is believed that these were in varied forms due to the regional affinities to those with the forces from other places in the Mahdist ranks. The Caliph adopted the etched script to imbue the magic and religious invocations of the Mahdi (who had passed in 1885)in these arms. Years ago it was generally held that these inscriptions were added by illiterate workers, etc. but it has been discovered that these are actual Quranic phrases, but used in repetition along with often Mahdist invocations in a rather decorative or 'Arabesque' manner. Thuluth was one of the various 'pens' of Arabic script, typically used in elementary level often in broad decorative form as in architectural setting, but often used by the Mamluks in their metalwork. The Mamluk influence is thought to be the source of this script in Sudan in degree. These were often given to chiefs and Holy men among the tribal ranks who ministered to the forces in battle. While it is often claimed that many of these were simply made for tourists, the numbers of these brought from the field at Omdurman and ensuing battles is remarkable. This Zulfiqar, or bifurcated blade, indicates this was probably a votive weapon to one of the Holy men. The Persian assumption is well placed as the Sufi doctrine and influences were thoroughly present in the Sudan in these times.