Sudanese sword with ivory hilt

Jim McDougall · 23rd October 2007, 05:09 AM

Nilotic, probably from Dongolan regions. The ivory hilt carries the circled dot motif which is also often seen on these. The hilt motif on many of these seems to carry various influences, and the 'cross of agadez' does indeed suggest Tuareg influence, usually carried eastward by the Hausa. This example seems possibly early 20th century.

CharlesS · 24th October 2007, 04:24 PM

Lew,

I DO remember what you did with that dagger..................

Jim McDougall · 24th October 2007, 05:53 PM

While I have suggested this piece is probably from Dongola, I cannot recall what particular tribes were situated there. I know that The Mahdi was originally from this region on the Nile, but cannot recall which tribe he was from.
Also, the style of these hilts is interesting and suggests influence from other African regions..perhaps to the south. Any ideas?

Jim McDougall · 10th November 2007, 08:45 PM

I just thought of this piece with Bills recent post of the Taureg symbols, the engraved cross of Agadez on the blade seems remarkably associated.

23rd October 2007, 05:09 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,198	Nilotic, probably from Dongolan regions. The ivory hilt carries the circled dot motif which is also often seen on these. The hilt motif on many of these seems to carry various influences, and the 'cross of agadez' does indeed suggest Tuareg influence, usually carried eastward by the Hausa. This example seems possibly early 20th century.

24th October 2007, 04:24 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Lew, I DO remember what you did with that dagger..................

24th October 2007, 05:53 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,198	While I have suggested this piece is probably from Dongola, I cannot recall what particular tribes were situated there. I know that The Mahdi was originally from this region on the Nile, but cannot recall which tribe he was from. Also, the style of these hilts is interesting and suggests influence from other African regions..perhaps to the south. Any ideas?

10th November 2007, 08:45 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,198	I just thought of this piece with Bills recent post of the Taureg symbols, the engraved cross of Agadez on the blade seems remarkably associated.