Sudanese(?) shamshir anomaly

Edster · 9th January 2023, 01:11 AM

My guess it was a Slavers Sword, pre-Mahdiya, not related to the Mahdiya 1985-99 or neo-Mahdiya in the c. 1920c. Designed to intimidate and exhibit power to Southern Blacks captives and not to exhibit Sudanese social/cultural solidarity. It doesn't exhibit Sudanese kaskara design themes only to suggest them. The cross-guard is cast bronze like those from Eqypt on non-combat kaskara not forged iron as on "real" kaskara. The metal grip coverings are copper not silver as would signal owner prestige. The scabbard exhibits better design & execution quality than the saber itself.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Best,
Ed

9th January 2023, 01:11 AM	#9
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 411	My guess it was a Slavers Sword, pre-Mahdiya, not related to the Mahdiya 1985-99 or neo-Mahdiya in the c. 1920c. Designed to intimidate and exhibit power to Southern Blacks captives and not to exhibit Sudanese social/cultural solidarity. It doesn't exhibit Sudanese kaskara design themes only to suggest them. The cross-guard is cast bronze like those from Eqypt on non-combat kaskara not forged iron as on "real" kaskara. The metal grip coverings are copper not silver as would signal owner prestige. The scabbard exhibits better design & execution quality than the saber itself. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Best, Ed