More kaskaras

Jim McDougall · 17th May 2011, 06:53 PM

Hi Colin,
There truly, and thankfully

has been a great deal of interest in kaskaras of late, and thank you for adding these to keep the fires burning! There is so much yet to be learned on these fascinating tribal swords, and by bringing examples to the forum we can all learn from them.
Probably the largest volume of both examples, and awareness of these distinctive Sudanese swords did indeed derive from the British campaigns and most notably the Battle of Omdurman in 1898.

It is interesting that these examples show two of the well known blade styles used on these, one with the triple fullers and the other with single central fuller. By the rust patches and general appearance of these, I sense that they are both post Omdurman however, and according to the outstanding work done by Ed in his dissertation (posted on our site) these are likely both 'Kasallawi' , that is produced in that area probably in the 20th century.
I think these swords, regardless of age, are fascinating in that they are still so predominantly a part of the culture and are actually refurbished almost regularly as they change hands through generations.

These are just my observations, and I always look forward to others from those who are more well versed in these weapons. The small crescent moon type markings in parallel on the blade are well known from those which appear on takouba blades and these are believed to derive from them . These markings have been in use for some time and represent earlier talismanic associations, which have long since probably been disassociated in this case, having become more of a traditional mark.

All the best,
Jim

Iain · 17th May 2011, 07:40 PM

Jim essentially noted the main points. These could be turn of the century, recalling Ed's excellent research the guards are one thing to look out for and these seem to be old and very well made with nice definition in the angles.

You got a good price on these Colin and I imagine they will clean up nicely.

One thing to keep in mind is that even after 1898 British campaigns into the Sudan continued up until 1916. Having a 20th century date ascribed to a kaskara or takouba is in no way a bad thing.

Cheers,

Iain

katana · 17th May 2011, 07:54 PM

Hi Colin,
like with Takouba check the fullers are not 'mechanically ground' with a circular grinder....often found on later blades. Are the blades flexible ? I too am a fan of Kaskara

Kind Regards David

Edster · 18th May 2011, 01:33 AM

Colin,

Thanks for posting. I agree with Jim and Iain as to attribution. The one on the left has the best crossgard. If it has an X at its center, it is likely to be in the made well before WW2. More than likely in the 1916-20 range, but daating is difficult. Cross guard is of the same quality as we have seen on presentation pieces. Apparently the skill to make the flared diamond profile died out before in the post-war and 1980's generation. IThe leather wrapped handle is common for utility items, and I'd say that both have seen active use in the field.

Please post the swords when they have been cleaned. I'm sure you use Museum Wax on the finished work to prevent rust, but other readers may appreciate the tip.

Best regards,
Ed

17th May 2011, 07:54 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Colin, like with Takouba check the fullers are not 'mechanically ground' with a circular grinder....often found on later blades. Are the blades flexible ? I too am a fan of Kaskara Kind Regards David Last edited by katana; 18th May 2011 at 01:49 PM.

17th May 2011, 06:53 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Hi Colin, There truly, and thankfully has been a great deal of interest in kaskaras of late, and thank you for adding these to keep the fires burning! There is so much yet to be learned on these fascinating tribal swords, and by bringing examples to the forum we can all learn from them. Probably the largest volume of both examples, and awareness of these distinctive Sudanese swords did indeed derive from the British campaigns and most notably the Battle of Omdurman in 1898. It is interesting that these examples show two of the well known blade styles used on these, one with the triple fullers and the other with single central fuller. By the rust patches and general appearance of these, I sense that they are both post Omdurman however, and according to the outstanding work done by Ed in his dissertation (posted on our site) these are likely both 'Kasallawi' , that is produced in that area probably in the 20th century. I think these swords, regardless of age, are fascinating in that they are still so predominantly a part of the culture and are actually refurbished almost regularly as they change hands through generations. These are just my observations, and I always look forward to others from those who are more well versed in these weapons. The small crescent moon type markings in parallel on the blade are well known from those which appear on takouba blades and these are believed to derive from them . These markings have been in use for some time and represent earlier talismanic associations, which have long since probably been disassociated in this case, having become more of a traditional mark. All the best, Jim

17th May 2011, 07:40 PM	#2
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Jim essentially noted the main points. These could be turn of the century, recalling Ed's excellent research the guards are one thing to look out for and these seem to be old and very well made with nice definition in the angles. You got a good price on these Colin and I imagine they will clean up nicely. One thing to keep in mind is that even after 1898 British campaigns into the Sudan continued up until 1916. Having a 20th century date ascribed to a kaskara or takouba is in no way a bad thing. Cheers, Iain

18th May 2011, 01:33 AM	#4
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 415	Colin, Thanks for posting. I agree with Jim and Iain as to attribution. The one on the left has the best crossgard. If it has an X at its center, it is likely to be in the made well before WW2. More than likely in the 1916-20 range, but daating is difficult. Cross guard is of the same quality as we have seen on presentation pieces. Apparently the skill to make the flared diamond profile died out before in the post-war and 1980's generation. IThe leather wrapped handle is common for utility items, and I'd say that both have seen active use in the field. Please post the swords when they have been cleaned. I'm sure you use Museum Wax on the finished work to prevent rust, but other readers may appreciate the tip. Best regards, Ed