I don't know anything about the meaning of the heavy tassel other than its the signature for the Beja swords. Although they may help with a more secure grip. They seem to look the same whether they are on simple or grips with silver. There must be tassel makers in the suk since the tassel is added after the grip treatment is complete. Colors are mainly black or sun faded to a greyish. Other kaskara sometimes sport a more stringy tassel, but they seem to be for higher end swords of the Nile Riverine tribes. You'll notice on other kaskara a maybe 1-inch section at the top of the grip, below the pommel that looks like its made for tassels regardless of style.
Take care,
Ed
|