These are very attractive pieces though of course modern, and as always, it is hard to draw distinction between genuinely intended traditional items for actual wear in events etc. or those which are probably souvenir material.
I would say the first sword is likely the latter case, and seems interpretive of various dagger forms but in larger size of course.
The second, though not corresponding to traditional Tuareg form, does display some characteristics of their weapons, and seems well made.
The third is of course, well made and of the 'koummya' type daggers.
The inscribed/drawn markings on the blades are a pastiche of symbols found on native blades, and are not cabalistic though in their original settings did have some varied talismanic purpose in degree.
On the larger sword, the diamond shaped figure represents the Cross of Agades, which is essentially a grouping of 'crosses' of some variation but seen often in Tuareg material culture. These 'crosses' are originally from Niger (Air region) and in Saharan parlance the cross is not religious but represents the four cardinal directions in the compass.
The others,
A lion, as seen on some Saharan blades (Briggs, 1965) and known from Sahara, even into Sudan in some cases.
The pentagram, or star resembles same seen in some Moroccan political motifs more modern, but known to appear on Sudanese blades if I recall discussions here some time ago.
The cross and orb is clearly drawn from some illustration and as applied on blades in North Africa usually just the sphere and cross in simple form.
The snake is found occasionally on some Sudanese blades, and is believed to come from Qajar and Sufi influence, representing the staff of Moses and certain folk religious symbolism in these cases.
Interesting and most attractive pieces reflecting various ethnographic characters of North African edged weapons.
|