Sudanese Fighting Sticks

Jambu · 17th December 2010, 11:02 PM

Hi Edster,
Thanks for posting your throwing sticks. Just last year in Port Sudan, Beja men were still carrying these sticks in the villages on the outskirts of that city. Here is the one in my collection along with some other Beja Weapons. It has crosshatched and blackened grooves carved into the grip end. Sorry I don 't have a better photo available because I am living on the road at the moment.

I was also told by locals that these sticks are for hunting and bringing down mounted camels and horses in battle.

In Eritrea, these sticks are still important culturally as seen in this YOUTUBE Video.

Edster · 18th December 2010, 12:11 AM

Hi Jambu,

Thanks for the update on the cultural currency of stick use. Seems like everyone carries one. Also, you collection looks top notch. Perhaps when you get back home you could share some detail photos of the kaskaras and other Bega weapons. Blade markings and other details are of great interest to the forum. Also, the grip finial of your sword on the right as well as the one in the video is stylistically different from most kaskaras like the one from Kassala on the left. Are thry mostly Eritrian style?

Regards,
Edster

17th December 2010, 11:02 PM	#1
Jambu Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Posts: 17	Hi Edster, Thanks for posting your throwing sticks. Just last year in Port Sudan, Beja men were still carrying these sticks in the villages on the outskirts of that city. Here is the one in my collection along with some other Beja Weapons. It has crosshatched and blackened grooves carved into the grip end. Sorry I don 't have a better photo available because I am living on the road at the moment. I was also told by locals that these sticks are for hunting and bringing down mounted camels and horses in battle. In Eritrea, these sticks are still important culturally as seen in this YOUTUBE Video. Attached Images

18th December 2010, 12:11 AM	#2
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 440	Hi Jambu, Thanks for the update on the cultural currency of stick use. Seems like everyone carries one. Also, you collection looks top notch. Perhaps when you get back home you could share some detail photos of the kaskaras and other Bega weapons. Blade markings and other details are of great interest to the forum. Also, the grip finial of your sword on the right as well as the one in the video is stylistically different from most kaskaras like the one from Kassala on the left. Are thry mostly Eritrian style? Regards, Edster