Early XX century (?) Kaskara with decoration

Jim McDougall · 5th November 2009, 05:33 AM

Hi Mauro,
Also, welcome to the forum, and its good to have you here. I would like to see the example you bought in Kasalla, which was a key production location for kaskaras in the 19th century.

I very much dislike the very blunt assessments using the term 'fake' although certainly there are times when such terms are hard to avoid. While certainly these areas experience thier share of foreign visitors, and do produce 'modern interpretations' to satisfy commercial needs (tourist items), I always try to consider that modern versions may still serve as traditional accoutrements.
It does not seem to me that 'tourist' wares would carry these authentic Islamic inscriptions, from my understanding at least.

The very irregularly applied zig zag decoration simply recalls the much more carefully worked silver repousse of the true early examples, and as noted, these are modern, probably within the last 30 years.

On the site here, Lee Jones has written an excellent article on the takoubas and kaskaras of North Africa, and will offer good insight into these very interesting weapons.

All the best,
Jim

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5th November 2009, 05:33 AM	#10
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi Mauro, Also, welcome to the forum, and its good to have you here. I would like to see the example you bought in Kasalla, which was a key production location for kaskaras in the 19th century. I very much dislike the very blunt assessments using the term 'fake' although certainly there are times when such terms are hard to avoid. While certainly these areas experience thier share of foreign visitors, and do produce 'modern interpretations' to satisfy commercial needs (tourist items), I always try to consider that modern versions may still serve as traditional accoutrements. It does not seem to me that 'tourist' wares would carry these authentic Islamic inscriptions, from my understanding at least. The very irregularly applied zig zag decoration simply recalls the much more carefully worked silver repousse of the true early examples, and as noted, these are modern, probably within the last 30 years. On the site here, Lee Jones has written an excellent article on the takoubas and kaskaras of North Africa, and will offer good insight into these very interesting weapons. All the best, Jim