Two African knives

[Ian]

From: https://www.jacarandatribal.com/items/shona-knife

Shona Knife - Bakatwa, Zimbabwe

In historical times, all Shona men carried a knife or sword of some kind, for use in self-defense and hunting. The ceremonial bakatwa can be distinguished from everyday Shona blades (known as banga) because of its double-edged form and the intricate woven brass wire decoration on the hilt. This weapon was accorded a high level of prestige in traditional Shona religious practice.

Bakatwa were and are passed downfrom generation to generation in a lineage and were used in religious rituals to symbolize the presence of the owner's ancestors, the sword's previous owners. In these rituals, the owner addressed the bakatwa as if it was the physical embodiment of his ancestors. This link between the spirits and these swords also meant that n'angas (diviner-healers) and svikiros (spirit-mediums) carried them as the insignia of their profession. Certain Shona hunters were traditionally believed to be under the spiritual influence and guidance of deceased hunters, known as shave spirits, so they also carried bakatwas as a symbol of their spirit ally.

The traditional carrying of plainer, more functional swords as everyday weapons dwindled under the influence of Christian missionaries. TheGovernment also launched drives to prevent men traveling armed during the civil unrest of the 1970s. This meant that knives and swords were largely restricted to ceremonial use. However, bakatwa have enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years, as symbols of traditional cultural identity and Zimbabwean independence from British imperialism. Some recent examples of bakatwa have even been forged to resemble AK-47 machine-guns, with the blade sheathed inside the gun's barrel. (cf Pitt Rivers Museum, Bakatwa).

[G. Mansfield]

Hi Ian, your Sudanese arm dagger script on the blade may have the twin cities of Omdurman or Khartoum engraved on the blade. This is the most common engravings that I see on these and are at times illegible, mimicking similar blades by more literate smiths. Other markings are using dates, typically 1898 to 1901 during the establishment of the condominium of the Anglo- Egyptian Sudan. Less often are makers or owner names but they do occasionally show up. The pommel caps are usually silver alloy but sometimes have an Ottoman Egyptian qirsh coin on the end.

This arm dagger being fitted with the silver mounts is on the above average side carved from an African black wood. Unfortunately, missing is sheath. Date is likely around 1900 – 1925. It is a good example of the type. I attached an example that I have and a link to more information about it. As for the Shona dagger, others may be able to help as I have never handled one yet. It does look to have considerable age and nice wirework though!

https://www.the-mansfield-collection...ver-arm-dagger

Geoffrey

[Ian]

Geoffrey,

Thank you for your assessment of the Sudanese dagger and narrowing down its age to about 100+ years. Close enough to call it "antique." That is a very beautiful dagger that you show. Congratulations on finding such a prestigious piece.

I am grateful that I ended up with an "above average" example out of this lot.

[Sajen]

Hi Ian,

A beautiful Sudanese arm dagger of very good quality.
The second long dagger is indeed a Shona dagger of good age, old or antique and has nothing to do with a Shi sword.

Here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=dagger you can see an arm dagger which I sold years ago, also with inscription on the blade.

Regards,
Detlef

[Marc M.]

Two of my soudan armdaggers.

[Sajen]

What happened to the wooden guard by the right one?

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by Sajen

What happened to the wooden guard by the right one?

Hi Detlef

Its a leather tribal repair to the handle. Maybe the handle was broken, very solid.

Best regards
Marc