Well, I finally got a pair of these, I have read the entire thread and I still don't know their purpose.
I can not see how they would be used in a religious context other than as the Tibetians use the phurba to exorcise demons or as various religions in the practice of self-flagellation.
Based on my limited knowledge I can only imagine that these were indeed used as command batons, as certainly the Sudanese may have viewed and copied their use by British or as souvenirs sold to the above-mentioned soldiers.
Also, what is the deal with the seeds? Are they to be taken as a power boost, are they used as a sedative after a long hard day to help you sleep, or to rid yourself of your least favorite wife?
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