Early XX century (?) Kaskara with decoration

Jim McDougall · 4th November 2009, 06:00 AM

Hi Mauro,
Thank you for sharing this kaskara example, and for adding the link to the similar example from the earlier auction. It is my impression that this is indeed a quite modern interpretation incorporating various traditional kaskara characteristics of earlier times. As you have noted, these swords remain a traditional accessory which are worn on special occasions, and certainly considered a status symbol among prominant tribal figures.

The style of the hilt is interpretive, and is intended to represent the hilts of Darfur of 19th century, the interesting zigzag decoration loosely recalling the harlequin diamond pattern often seen on these hilts, as well as the discoid pommel also with similar geometric motif. The gold gilt ? or coloring and wire wrap seem unusual.....the crossguard is of what is considered 'Hausa' type with distinctly knob type quillon terminals. These are also contrary to the flared quillons of Darfur examples, and less so, even straight bar crossguards seen on regular Anglo-Egyptian Sudan types.

The blade, also representing earlier European forms shows the acid discoloring from the etched panels and floral motif, popular on earlier Darfur blades and the thuluth etchings on the simpler kaskaras of Mahdist period.
The paired moons, another Hausa distinction on kaskaras (Briggs) are termed 'dukari' and evolved probably talismanically from the blades from Europe in earlier times.

Im not aware of any particular significance of the rose in the Sudan or Darfur as far as being distinctive to a particular owner, but more a decorative floral to enhance the panels with the devotional phrases.

Nicely done example of these very traditional weapons that remain important to tribal figures in these regions. Even the very old blades are, as in many cultures, remounted and refurbished as they change hands as heirlooms.
Scabbards were apparantly often red or brown goatskin, and the black paintover on this is very curious, perhaps whoever acquired it sought to dramatize the gold metal on the hilt.

Best regards,
Jim

Mauro · 5th November 2009, 12:42 AM

Hi Jim, many thanks for the interesting informations. Please let me know if with "quite modern interpretation" you mean that this sword was made in the mid XX century or you think it is a fake. As regard to the guard and the wrapping at the base of the hilt surely you noted that the sword in Hermann Historica are similar. You think they belong to the same period ? The sword from the Hermann below the langet has still some iron oxides because in a kaskara, as well in many other swords, is the worse place to clean.
thanks again
Mauro

Jim McDougall · 5th November 2009, 05:33 AM

Hi Mauro,
Also, welcome to the forum, and its good to have you here. I would like to see the example you bought in Kasalla, which was a key production location for kaskaras in the 19th century.

I very much dislike the very blunt assessments using the term 'fake' although certainly there are times when such terms are hard to avoid. While certainly these areas experience thier share of foreign visitors, and do produce 'modern interpretations' to satisfy commercial needs (tourist items), I always try to consider that modern versions may still serve as traditional accoutrements.
It does not seem to me that 'tourist' wares would carry these authentic Islamic inscriptions, from my understanding at least.

The very irregularly applied zig zag decoration simply recalls the much more carefully worked silver repousse of the true early examples, and as noted, these are modern, probably within the last 30 years.

On the site here, Lee Jones has written an excellent article on the takoubas and kaskaras of North Africa, and will offer good insight into these very interesting weapons.

All the best,
Jim

Mauro · 5th November 2009, 02:14 PM

Hi shall try to get some photos of the Kassala kaskara but it is similar to many swords. I.e. on ebay actually there is one that seems its copy .However, the sword I bought in the '80thies was made before. The man that sold it to me was a merchant selling other thinks. I am not able to say how much older but, as I said, it was already used (10 ? 20 ? 30 ? years). You know that many swords are passed from one generation to another. Moreover, in Kassala area there were already people carrying guns and obviously swords had lost their appeal !! The kaskara we are discussiong here, as well as its scabbard, is also worn. Therefore I think it is difficult that it has only 30 years old. I have many gurade from the late XIX and the begining of the XX with their scabbards (Ethiopian swords re one of my passions !) and if I compare their conditions they are better preserved. Is it not possible that this kaskara is Early XX century and was made when the old traditions (Early 1800) were disappearing but still there was somebody that was able to reproduce the original style ?? In 1986 in Kassaka there were no swordmakers and I also did not see them in khartoum although I cannot exclude that I did not find their shop in the capital area! I shall read the Lee Jones's article. Please, when you have time, give me some reference on these swords. You mention Briggs but I don't know this reference. Thanks again
Mauro

5th November 2009, 02:14 PM	#4
Mauro Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 83	Hi shall try to get some photos of the Kassala kaskara but it is similar to many swords. I.e. on ebay actually there is one that seems its copy .However, the sword I bought in the '80thies was made before. The man that sold it to me was a merchant selling other thinks. I am not able to say how much older but, as I said, it was already used (10 ? 20 ? 30 ? years). You know that many swords are passed from one generation to another. Moreover, in Kassala area there were already people carrying guns and obviously swords had lost their appeal !! The kaskara we are discussiong here, as well as its scabbard, is also worn. Therefore I think it is difficult that it has only 30 years old. I have many gurade from the late XIX and the begining of the XX with their scabbards (Ethiopian swords re one of my passions !) and if I compare their conditions they are better preserved. Is it not possible that this kaskara is Early XX century and was made when the old traditions (Early 1800) were disappearing but still there was somebody that was able to reproduce the original style ?? In 1986 in Kassaka there were no swordmakers and I also did not see them in khartoum although I cannot exclude that I did not find their shop in the capital area! I shall read the Lee Jones's article. Please, when you have time, give me some reference on these swords. You mention Briggs but I don't know this reference. Thanks again Mauro Last edited by Rick; 5th November 2009 at 03:24 PM. Reason: removed active auction number; this is not allowed .

4th November 2009, 06:00 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,454	Hi Mauro, Thank you for sharing this kaskara example, and for adding the link to the similar example from the earlier auction. It is my impression that this is indeed a quite modern interpretation incorporating various traditional kaskara characteristics of earlier times. As you have noted, these swords remain a traditional accessory which are worn on special occasions, and certainly considered a status symbol among prominant tribal figures. The style of the hilt is interpretive, and is intended to represent the hilts of Darfur of 19th century, the interesting zigzag decoration loosely recalling the harlequin diamond pattern often seen on these hilts, as well as the discoid pommel also with similar geometric motif. The gold gilt ? or coloring and wire wrap seem unusual.....the crossguard is of what is considered 'Hausa' type with distinctly knob type quillon terminals. These are also contrary to the flared quillons of Darfur examples, and less so, even straight bar crossguards seen on regular Anglo-Egyptian Sudan types. The blade, also representing earlier European forms shows the acid discoloring from the etched panels and floral motif, popular on earlier Darfur blades and the thuluth etchings on the simpler kaskaras of Mahdist period. The paired moons, another Hausa distinction on kaskaras (Briggs) are termed 'dukari' and evolved probably talismanically from the blades from Europe in earlier times. Im not aware of any particular significance of the rose in the Sudan or Darfur as far as being distinctive to a particular owner, but more a decorative floral to enhance the panels with the devotional phrases. Nicely done example of these very traditional weapons that remain important to tribal figures in these regions. Even the very old blades are, as in many cultures, remounted and refurbished as they change hands as heirlooms. Scabbards were apparantly often red or brown goatskin, and the black paintover on this is very curious, perhaps whoever acquired it sought to dramatize the gold metal on the hilt. Best regards, Jim

5th November 2009, 12:42 AM	#2
Mauro Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 83	Hi Jim, many thanks for the interesting informations. Please let me know if with "quite modern interpretation" you mean that this sword was made in the mid XX century or you think it is a fake. As regard to the guard and the wrapping at the base of the hilt surely you noted that the sword in Hermann Historica are similar. You think they belong to the same period ? The sword from the Hermann below the langet has still some iron oxides because in a kaskara, as well in many other swords, is the worse place to clean. thanks again Mauro

5th November 2009, 05:33 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,454	Hi Mauro, Also, welcome to the forum, and its good to have you here. I would like to see the example you bought in Kasalla, which was a key production location for kaskaras in the 19th century. I very much dislike the very blunt assessments using the term 'fake' although certainly there are times when such terms are hard to avoid. While certainly these areas experience thier share of foreign visitors, and do produce 'modern interpretations' to satisfy commercial needs (tourist items), I always try to consider that modern versions may still serve as traditional accoutrements. It does not seem to me that 'tourist' wares would carry these authentic Islamic inscriptions, from my understanding at least. The very irregularly applied zig zag decoration simply recalls the much more carefully worked silver repousse of the true early examples, and as noted, these are modern, probably within the last 30 years. On the site here, Lee Jones has written an excellent article on the takoubas and kaskaras of North Africa, and will offer good insight into these very interesting weapons. All the best, Jim