Kaskara & Takouba "Enigmatic" Mark Revisited

Jim McDougall · 5th August 2022, 07:03 PM

In going through old notes etc. from what I realize now were from some years ago (where has the time gone?) I found another theory I had come up with but which seemed somewhat tenuous, despite the compelling visual image of the images I found.
I discovered that in ancient Egyptian iconography, in heiroglyphic character for a pharoah named King Narmer, the rebus included a catfish to say his name.
This figure was with a body with forward projecting barbels (tentacles) in the same configuration as this stylized figure of the enigma.

While obviously it seems beyond unlikely that such iconography would lend to the tribal symbolism of relatively modern tribal symbolism of the latter 19th c., I have found a degree of the presence of heiroglyphics being recognized as sources. This was found in references of cattle brands used in Kordofan which could be sourced relatively to heiroglyphics. It seems possible of course that the influence was broader.

We know that various birds, fish, snakes etc. are depicted symbolically on edged weapons in Sudan and into other regions, so I was thinking, perhaps the catfish might have carried the same impact on modern natives that it had on the ancients, regardless of linear chronology. We know that the crocodile did.

At about the time I was considering this, there was a suggestion that this enigmatic figure might have related to the comet, in view if the observance of that cosmology in Mahdist times. This too sounded compelling, but would seem to be more in accord with kaskara and outside the Tuareg connections.

So I thought I would add this 'catfish' aspect as far as possible symbolism for review and further consideration or disqualification. You must admit looking at the rebus with the catfish figure has a compelling similarity from the stylized point of view.

The serekh (rectangular cartouche) with the catfish image is topped with the Horus bird to indicate this rebus is a royal name.

Jim McDougall · 5th August 2022, 10:01 PM

To follow up on my idea regarding the 'cross of Agadez', in doing more looking into this, I found the following.
The 'cross of Agadez' is in effect an item of jewelry, primarily a pendant with symbolic shapes in silhouette, and the term 'cross' is misleading as there are varying shapes. These items are termed tanaghiit or talhakim and favored by Sunni Muslim Tuareg people.

It seems that whatever the extent of use of these were in the 19th century, in modern times they are somewhat prevalent in the Kel Air; Kel Geress and a number of non Berber groups in the Sahara, which interestingly include the Hausa. However it is noted that these are largely ignored by the larger spectrum of Tuareg people. Perhaps this attitude is what has rendered these 'enigma' markings so rare and unknown, being established and occurring only on a few examples , those copied without broader established meaning or use.

The Hausa are as mentioned, a nomadic tribe originally from Niger, who are known for blacksmithing skills, thus sword production. The Kel Air (Kel Ayr) are the tribe mentioned in previous post with a takouba with this enigma symbol.

While these 'crosses' seem to have wide variation, there seems to be only vague explanation for the symbolism attached to them, so it is not surprising that there is a notable scope of variation in the items physically.

As a reminder, the regions of the Air (ayr) massif are in Niger, which is where the Kel Ayr tribe of Tuareg Berber confederations are situated (in control there since 1850s) and where the 1916-17 rebellions took place. Here is where at least two (perhaps a third) takouba belonging to chiefs and important figures were taken, having these enigma symbols engraved on the blades.
If the widely geometrically varied 'Agadez cross' (from this key city in Ayr) are known there so well, then perhaps similarly styled symbolism might have developed this design, with or without the 'bee' figures in mind. With the trade and tribal interaction with the Hausa as conduit, it seems this may explain how the symbol transmitted into the sphere of the kaskara. All of this probably occurring in the early years of the 20th century.

The talismanic symbolism on Berber weaponry is probably best exemplified in that found on the blades of the Kabyle flyssa, where such symbolic characters are often included in the context of the typically known designs.
Such personalization seems well known among Berber tribes, but in this case such a symbol might have been seen and favored, then copied with whatever imbuement might have been implied or presumed, thus occurring on numerous blades accordingly.

Edster · 6th August 2022, 01:53 AM

Sorry, Jim, but I can't warm to the Cross of Agadez as being the stylistic parent of The Mark. The Mark is too sophisticated to be its derivative.

While the Cross was relevant to the Tuareg people, it was likely meaningless to the Sudanese, the source on most of our Marked kaskara. Also, the Mark appears exclusively ?? on imported German trade blades so Hausa smiths likely would have had no contact with them, and the Mark was skillfully engraved likely by a silversmith, not a blade maker.

My best origin story is the Enigma mark is the emblem of a sufi order/tariga common among the Tuareg and Sudanese of the Nile Valley. The emblem would be known among silversmiths of both areas so that it could be reproduced virtually identically over a wide geography. Maybe the Qadiriyya, active in Morocco and the first sufi order in Sudan. The link shows their emblem.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qadiriyya

Jim McDougall · 6th August 2022, 03:40 AM

Points well taken Ed, and I agree your suggestion of this Sufi order being a good possibility of being the source, especially with the notable commonality which would support its diffusion from Tuareg to the Sudanese. I had not been aware of this, and now seeing it is compelling.

As I had admitted in my observations on the cross, it seemed to have a degree of plausibility because of the variations in these and notable stylizing of the enigma. However, this suggestion is markedly more on target both in general appearance and feasibility.

My only question would be, if this symbol in its stylized form as seen on these two or three blades, why would this interpretation exist only on these few examples if it was being reproduced over wide geographical area?

Edster · 6th August 2022, 01:52 PM

My only guess about limited distribution would be sample size. EAA collectors have identified several (identified in the various threads) and I don't know how many kaskara or takouba are in the hands of our members, others and museums Also, the Mark may have only been engraved on the swords of higher ranking members of the sufi order, those who have attained a higher order of adeptness and not rank and file member.

Hopefully, other collectors will more closely examine their kaskara and other North African swords more closely for the famous mark.

Jim McDougall · 6th August 2022, 04:26 PM

I think that may be a good resolution, that this mark (enigma) might reflect as award or perhaps as you suggest, a level of achievement or status in a particular Tariqa in Sufi. That would explain the relative rarity (as far known) of this symbol on these sword blades.

In support of this seems to be the fact that in Briggs, the examples he notes having this device seem to only have been those of notable Tuareg chiefs or extremely prominent figures. As these are described naturally they are only seen through the filter of known European blade markings and native interpretations of them. Frankly that was in degree the level of consideration I was operating on as well, along with possible talismanic or folk type associations in symbolism.

The idea of a high ranking Sufi associated emblem is further supported by your mention years ago of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in Egypt receiving a kaskara with it on the blade in Khartoum in 1961.
That appears to be the only mention of this enigma mark beyond the three in Briggs. Here again I note your observation that these are apparently engraved skillfully by an artisan likely in precious metals rather than a native armorer dealing with more pedestrian level swords mounted with trade blades.

I think it will take a great deal of theological research in these elements of Sunni Islam and Sufi Orders to gain knowledge of the meaning of the enigma mark, and that certainly exceeds the general knowledge core in the average arms community. Possibly some of the scholars who have written on these religious aspects of arms in Sudan might have such awareness.

For our purposes at this level, as you note we need further exemplars of this mark on blades of other takouba or kaskara to test the exposure levels of the use of it, as well as hopefully provenance or additional context that might offer more insight.

Apparently the examples shown by Briggs of the Adembar and Raidera swords are in the Musee d' Ethnographie of Neuchatel (XXa, b)
It is unclear where XXc is. I have the Gabus reference pending, and have located Morel, Lhote for referencing so will see where that goes when all together.
Then maybe seeing if the Neuchatel museum has the examples, maybe photos of the markings?

It would seem that the 'hatched' marks (enigma) Briggs refers to as 'bees' have a connection to the stamped versions of the 'cow head', style example (as seen on the blade of the Darfur kaskara I posted) if the second one in XXb with two loops to the side is considered as transitionary to the stylized 'hatched' example.

The game is afoot

Jim McDougall · 8th August 2022, 04:18 PM

Ongoing,
So it seems we have established that the enigma mark was known in the period around WWI by the Tuareg, and it seems in the Air (Ayr) regions of that massif in Niger centered around Agadez.
The three examples cited in Briggs (1965) represent takouba of two Tuareg chiefs and one figure of nobility of these regions.

At some point, this same device began to occur on kaskara blades in the Sudan with one primary example mentioned by Ed as to the Judge al Shengeti c. 1956 as seen in library at Khartoum in 1961.
There seem to be several other kaskara without exact provenance with the enigma placed in similar rendition and placement that exist.

I recall Iain years ago suggesting this resembled a lock/key known in Sahara to be used by Tuareg, and in 2016 it was suggested again that this might represent a key.
With this idea, it seems quite possible that this device might indeed represent a key, perhaps used metaphorically representing possibly an achievement or status relating to Sufi following, and that would have to do with individuals with profound standing that had reached it.

More to consider I guess, and the search goes on. I'd like to finally get this solved 'this run', recalling similar discussion/investigations in '08/09, '16 etc.
Whatever the case, glad Ed brought it up again here.

The bottom image is that of the Shengeti kaskara; I noted also in the 2016 discussion there was an apocryphal suggestion that this mark had been seen in a reference where it was noted as British. With the existence of this device in Tuareg context in 1916 I am inclined to think otherwise, but place the note here as inclusive for consideration.

5th August 2022, 07:03 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,589	Catfish In going through old notes etc. from what I realize now were from some years ago (where has the time gone?) I found another theory I had come up with but which seemed somewhat tenuous, despite the compelling visual image of the images I found. I discovered that in ancient Egyptian iconography, in heiroglyphic character for a pharoah named King Narmer, the rebus included a catfish to say his name. This figure was with a body with forward projecting barbels (tentacles) in the same configuration as this stylized figure of the enigma. While obviously it seems beyond unlikely that such iconography would lend to the tribal symbolism of relatively modern tribal symbolism of the latter 19th c., I have found a degree of the presence of heiroglyphics being recognized as sources. This was found in references of cattle brands used in Kordofan which could be sourced relatively to heiroglyphics. It seems possible of course that the influence was broader. We know that various birds, fish, snakes etc. are depicted symbolically on edged weapons in Sudan and into other regions, so I was thinking, perhaps the catfish might have carried the same impact on modern natives that it had on the ancients, regardless of linear chronology. We know that the crocodile did. At about the time I was considering this, there was a suggestion that this enigmatic figure might have related to the comet, in view if the observance of that cosmology in Mahdist times. This too sounded compelling, but would seem to be more in accord with kaskara and outside the Tuareg connections. So I thought I would add this 'catfish' aspect as far as possible symbolism for review and further consideration or disqualification. You must admit looking at the rebus with the catfish figure has a compelling similarity from the stylized point of view. The serekh (rectangular cartouche) with the catfish image is topped with the Horus bird to indicate this rebus is a royal name. Attached Images

5th August 2022, 10:01 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,589	Cross of Agadez To follow up on my idea regarding the 'cross of Agadez', in doing more looking into this, I found the following. The 'cross of Agadez' is in effect an item of jewelry, primarily a pendant with symbolic shapes in silhouette, and the term 'cross' is misleading as there are varying shapes. These items are termed tanaghiit or talhakim and favored by Sunni Muslim Tuareg people. It seems that whatever the extent of use of these were in the 19th century, in modern times they are somewhat prevalent in the Kel Air; Kel Geress and a number of non Berber groups in the Sahara, which interestingly include the Hausa. However it is noted that these are largely ignored by the larger spectrum of Tuareg people. Perhaps this attitude is what has rendered these 'enigma' markings so rare and unknown, being established and occurring only on a few examples , those copied without broader established meaning or use. The Hausa are as mentioned, a nomadic tribe originally from Niger, who are known for blacksmithing skills, thus sword production. The Kel Air (Kel Ayr) are the tribe mentioned in previous post with a takouba with this enigma symbol. While these 'crosses' seem to have wide variation, there seems to be only vague explanation for the symbolism attached to them, so it is not surprising that there is a notable scope of variation in the items physically. As a reminder, the regions of the Air (ayr) massif are in Niger, which is where the Kel Ayr tribe of Tuareg Berber confederations are situated (in control there since 1850s) and where the 1916-17 rebellions took place. Here is where at least two (perhaps a third) takouba belonging to chiefs and important figures were taken, having these enigma symbols engraved on the blades. If the widely geometrically varied 'Agadez cross' (from this key city in Ayr) are known there so well, then perhaps similarly styled symbolism might have developed this design, with or without the 'bee' figures in mind. With the trade and tribal interaction with the Hausa as conduit, it seems this may explain how the symbol transmitted into the sphere of the kaskara. All of this probably occurring in the early years of the 20th century. The talismanic symbolism on Berber weaponry is probably best exemplified in that found on the blades of the Kabyle flyssa, where such symbolic characters are often included in the context of the typically known designs. Such personalization seems well known among Berber tribes, but in this case such a symbol might have been seen and favored, then copied with whatever imbuement might have been implied or presumed, thus occurring on numerous blades accordingly. Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 5th August 2022 at 10:34 PM.

6th August 2022, 01:52 PM	#5
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 440	My only guess about limited distribution would be sample size. EAA collectors have identified several (identified in the various threads) and I don't know how many kaskara or takouba are in the hands of our members, others and museums Also, the Mark may have only been engraved on the swords of higher ranking members of the sufi order, those who have attained a higher order of adeptness and not rank and file member. Hopefully, other collectors will more closely examine their kaskara and other North African swords more closely for the famous mark. Last edited by Edster; 6th August 2022 at 03:36 PM. Reason: added "others and museums"

6th August 2022, 04:26 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,589	I think that may be a good resolution, that this mark (enigma) might reflect as award or perhaps as you suggest, a level of achievement or status in a particular Tariqa in Sufi. That would explain the relative rarity (as far known) of this symbol on these sword blades. In support of this seems to be the fact that in Briggs, the examples he notes having this device seem to only have been those of notable Tuareg chiefs or extremely prominent figures. As these are described naturally they are only seen through the filter of known European blade markings and native interpretations of them. Frankly that was in degree the level of consideration I was operating on as well, along with possible talismanic or folk type associations in symbolism. The idea of a high ranking Sufi associated emblem is further supported by your mention years ago of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in Egypt receiving a kaskara with it on the blade in Khartoum in 1961. That appears to be the only mention of this enigma mark beyond the three in Briggs. Here again I note your observation that these are apparently engraved skillfully by an artisan likely in precious metals rather than a native armorer dealing with more pedestrian level swords mounted with trade blades. I think it will take a great deal of theological research in these elements of Sunni Islam and Sufi Orders to gain knowledge of the meaning of the enigma mark, and that certainly exceeds the general knowledge core in the average arms community. Possibly some of the scholars who have written on these religious aspects of arms in Sudan might have such awareness. For our purposes at this level, as you note we need further exemplars of this mark on blades of other takouba or kaskara to test the exposure levels of the use of it, as well as hopefully provenance or additional context that might offer more insight. Apparently the examples shown by Briggs of the Adembar and Raidera swords are in the Musee d' Ethnographie of Neuchatel (XXa, b) It is unclear where XXc is. I have the Gabus reference pending, and have located Morel, Lhote for referencing so will see where that goes when all together. Then maybe seeing if the Neuchatel museum has the examples, maybe photos of the markings? It would seem that the 'hatched' marks (enigma) Briggs refers to as 'bees' have a connection to the stamped versions of the 'cow head', style example (as seen on the blade of the Darfur kaskara I posted) if the second one in XXb with two loops to the side is considered as transitionary to the stylized 'hatched' example. The game is afoot Last edited by Jim McDougall; 7th August 2022 at 06:13 AM. Reason: corrections

8th August 2022, 04:18 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,589	Enigma mark...Tuareg into the kaskara realm Ongoing, So it seems we have established that the enigma mark was known in the period around WWI by the Tuareg, and it seems in the Air (Ayr) regions of that massif in Niger centered around Agadez. The three examples cited in Briggs (1965) represent takouba of two Tuareg chiefs and one figure of nobility of these regions. At some point, this same device began to occur on kaskara blades in the Sudan with one primary example mentioned by Ed as to the Judge al Shengeti c. 1956 as seen in library at Khartoum in 1961. There seem to be several other kaskara without exact provenance with the enigma placed in similar rendition and placement that exist. I recall Iain years ago suggesting this resembled a lock/key known in Sahara to be used by Tuareg, and in 2016 it was suggested again that this might represent a key. With this idea, it seems quite possible that this device might indeed represent a key, perhaps used metaphorically representing possibly an achievement or status relating to Sufi following, and that would have to do with individuals with profound standing that had reached it. More to consider I guess, and the search goes on. I'd like to finally get this solved 'this run', recalling similar discussion/investigations in '08/09, '16 etc. Whatever the case, glad Ed brought it up again here. The bottom image is that of the Shengeti kaskara; I noted also in the 2016 discussion there was an apocryphal suggestion that this mark had been seen in a reference where it was noted as British. With the existence of this device in Tuareg context in 1916 I am inclined to think otherwise, but place the note here as inclusive for consideration. Attached Images

6th August 2022, 01:53 AM	#3
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 440	Sorry, Jim, but I can't warm to the Cross of Agadez as being the stylistic parent of The Mark. The Mark is too sophisticated to be its derivative. While the Cross was relevant to the Tuareg people, it was likely meaningless to the Sudanese, the source on most of our Marked kaskara. Also, the Mark appears exclusively ?? on imported German trade blades so Hausa smiths likely would have had no contact with them, and the Mark was skillfully engraved likely by a silversmith, not a blade maker. My best origin story is the Enigma mark is the emblem of a sufi order/tariga common among the Tuareg and Sudanese of the Nile Valley. The emblem would be known among silversmiths of both areas so that it could be reproduced virtually identically over a wide geography. Maybe the Qadiriyya, active in Morocco and the first sufi order in Sudan. The link shows their emblem. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qadiriyya

6th August 2022, 03:40 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,589	Points well taken Ed, and I agree your suggestion of this Sufi order being a good possibility of being the source, especially with the notable commonality which would support its diffusion from Tuareg to the Sudanese. I had not been aware of this, and now seeing it is compelling. As I had admitted in my observations on the cross, it seemed to have a degree of plausibility because of the variations in these and notable stylizing of the enigma. However, this suggestion is markedly more on target both in general appearance and feasibility. My only question would be, if this symbol in its stylized form as seen on these two or three blades, why would this interpretation exist only on these few examples if it was being reproduced over wide geographical area?