Unusual markings on kaskara

Jim McDougall · 28th December 2021, 06:30 PM

I agree with Wayne, this seems like some sort of interpretation of the 'dukari' (dual crescent moons) which of course typically were positioned next to each other. These were seen as a kind of temporal or talismanic device toward 'magic' in the local folk religions of North Africa, particularly Sudan and supposedly would still have effect even if not exactly the same.

Many of the 'dukari' moon stamps were so degenerated by later years in Kassala that they were distorted to almost indiscernible.
I have seen other kinds of marks applied in pairs in the same manner indicating 'duality' or such interpretation but the incongruent application of these is puzzling.

As Wayne notes, many blades of this more recent period were of sheet steel and lorry springs.
Looking forward to Ed's input on this. He knows these blades and especially the guards thoroughly.

Edster · 28th December 2021, 07:41 PM

Thanks Jim for the kind words. I'll try to live up to your expectations.

The blade with the deep full length channel/khur fuller may be Ethiopian. They seemed to do a lot of that style, but their channels were often highly decorated. The marks may have an Ethiopian flavor, but I would agree more with Wayne & Jim that they are the use of the big punch of the half-moon mark without the smaller one to finish off the effect.

The Hadendawah tassels on both swords appear as new and suggests the reptile skin on the grip and scabbard may be recent as well. It looks like the crossguard has been over-cleaned, but has nice details.

The other crossguard looks like the Sennar chisel style. Its blade has the classic early European short wide fuller, but may be able to tell more with better pics.

Regards,
Ed

28th December 2021, 06:30 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,467	I agree with Wayne, this seems like some sort of interpretation of the 'dukari' (dual crescent moons) which of course typically were positioned next to each other. These were seen as a kind of temporal or talismanic device toward 'magic' in the local folk religions of North Africa, particularly Sudan and supposedly would still have effect even if not exactly the same. Many of the 'dukari' moon stamps were so degenerated by later years in Kassala that they were distorted to almost indiscernible. I have seen other kinds of marks applied in pairs in the same manner indicating 'duality' or such interpretation but the incongruent application of these is puzzling. As Wayne notes, many blades of this more recent period were of sheet steel and lorry springs. Looking forward to Ed's input on this. He knows these blades and especially the guards thoroughly.

28th December 2021, 07:41 PM	#2
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 418	Thanks Jim for the kind words. I'll try to live up to your expectations. The blade with the deep full length channel/khur fuller may be Ethiopian. They seemed to do a lot of that style, but their channels were often highly decorated. The marks may have an Ethiopian flavor, but I would agree more with Wayne & Jim that they are the use of the big punch of the half-moon mark without the smaller one to finish off the effect. The Hadendawah tassels on both swords appear as new and suggests the reptile skin on the grip and scabbard may be recent as well. It looks like the crossguard has been over-cleaned, but has nice details. The other crossguard looks like the Sennar chisel style. Its blade has the classic early European short wide fuller, but may be able to tell more with better pics. Regards, Ed