Sudanese(?) shamshir anomaly

Peter Hudson · 8th January 2023, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

This unusual shamshir was discussed here over 23 years ago, and it was speculated that this anomaly was a genuinely intended weapon (not a tourism souvenir) of late 19th into 20th Sudan. The most compelling suggestion for Sudanese provenance is the flared scabbard tip.

The Ottoman style pistol grip hilt and crossguard and the European type scabbard chape and the ball on the tip (mindful of the thum on janbiyya scabbard tips) are also elements adding to the conundrum of this piece.

The diagonally reticulated design of lozenge form is a decorative motif favored on the kaskara of early 20th c. in 'Ali Dinar' (Darfur) period into later Kassala period, so is also interesting element.

In discussions c. 2000, it was suggested that the composition of the blade appeared to be "Istanbul beyaz' type damascus (as described in Stone as mid 19th c.)There were concerns that the blade might have been forged locally in imitation of that process as though it is of good quality, there are forging flaws. I do not have the sword available presently so just add that pending observations and questions.

I wanted to show this here, and hope for observations and thoughts on the possible character of the sword as far as being for ceremony or perhaps wear as a dress accoutrement.
Has anyone seen anything like this in Sudanese context?

Hello Jim, My initial reaction was to consider this as a mixed variant perhaps using Kilij, Shaska or other sword parts including a blade possibly from a Shamshir..
Looking at it again I think Kaskara Hilt, Kaskara Scabbard and adornment to leather with star shape ... and a star shape to the design at Pommel ... with dot clusters in 3 and 5 dot sequences ... and typical of the sort of battle dress/weaponry worn by the warriors primed to not only destroy the enemy but to go to heaven trying... So for ceremonial as well as for battle.

If this was originally a Kaskara it seems the pommel was of no purpose other than decorative and not as a counter ballance but to prevent the sword falling from the hand although I would also expect a wrist strap to have been used.. The curved blade is a little confusing as normally straight it can be carried slung over the back and taking advantage of a usually straight blade and the widened scabbard near the tip.

My only reference is the excellent work
http://www.vikingsword.com/ethsword/...lver_dress.pdf

Regards, Peter.

Edster · 9th January 2023, 01:11 AM

My guess it was a Slavers Sword, pre-Mahdiya, not related to the Mahdiya 1985-99 or neo-Mahdiya in the c. 1920c. Designed to intimidate and exhibit power to Southern Blacks captives and not to exhibit Sudanese social/cultural solidarity. It doesn't exhibit Sudanese kaskara design themes only to suggest them. The cross-guard is cast bronze like those from Eqypt on non-combat kaskara not forged iron as on "real" kaskara. The metal grip coverings are copper not silver as would signal owner prestige. The scabbard exhibits better design & execution quality than the saber itself.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Best,
Ed

Jim McDougall · 9th January 2023, 01:32 AM

Peter, thank you for these observations, and this does has composite elements, most notably the Ottoman crossguard, and the grip does seem that it could be kaskara, with the bulbous Ottoman style pommel added.

In discussions years ago, as noted, it was observed that the 'Istanbul bayez' shamshir blade had flaws suggesting possible, if not probable local workmanship perhaps by a maker more aligned with making kaskara. As I suggested earlier, the Ottoman alignment with Zubeir Pasha might have had Ottoman craftsman influences in shops which might have produced this anomaly.

The decorative character of this sword suggests it may have been a sword of status or ceremonial for a ranking figure in Zubeyrs forces.
The outstanding work by Ed Hunley you linked is some of the best research data on Sudanese edged weapons to date.

The motif, in particular the diamond/lozenge pattern is as noted distinctive for regions in Darfur, which aligns with the Zubeir Pasha possibility as his key areas of operation were in Darfur (West Sudan).

It has been suggested that curved or saber blades are not unusual in Sudan, and I am hoping to see examples, particularly of this period ending in the time of Ali Dinar until his death 1914.

9th January 2023, 01:11 AM	#2
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 415	My guess it was a Slavers Sword, pre-Mahdiya, not related to the Mahdiya 1985-99 or neo-Mahdiya in the c. 1920c. Designed to intimidate and exhibit power to Southern Blacks captives and not to exhibit Sudanese social/cultural solidarity. It doesn't exhibit Sudanese kaskara design themes only to suggest them. The cross-guard is cast bronze like those from Eqypt on non-combat kaskara not forged iron as on "real" kaskara. The metal grip coverings are copper not silver as would signal owner prestige. The scabbard exhibits better design & execution quality than the saber itself. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Best, Ed

9th January 2023, 01:32 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Peter, thank you for these observations, and this does has composite elements, most notably the Ottoman crossguard, and the grip does seem that it could be kaskara, with the bulbous Ottoman style pommel added. In discussions years ago, as noted, it was observed that the 'Istanbul bayez' shamshir blade had flaws suggesting possible, if not probable local workmanship perhaps by a maker more aligned with making kaskara. As I suggested earlier, the Ottoman alignment with Zubeir Pasha might have had Ottoman craftsman influences in shops which might have produced this anomaly. The decorative character of this sword suggests it may have been a sword of status or ceremonial for a ranking figure in Zubeyrs forces. The outstanding work by Ed Hunley you linked is some of the best research data on Sudanese edged weapons to date. The motif, in particular the diamond/lozenge pattern is as noted distinctive for regions in Darfur, which aligns with the Zubeir Pasha possibility as his key areas of operation were in Darfur (West Sudan). It has been suggested that curved or saber blades are not unusual in Sudan, and I am hoping to see examples, particularly of this period ending in the time of Ali Dinar until his death 1914.