strange sudanic (?) sword

Tim Simmons · 24th February 2009, 09:35 PM

Chad borders all areas concerned. Being under French control, and this piece was sourced in the UK, perhaps it was from British controled areas? I like it.

Although Chad borders Sudan this piece does not seem to me to be South Sudan as in Dinka and others.

katana · 24th February 2009, 10:00 PM

Nice, I particularly like the blade ...with the hammer marks still clearly visible. The cylindrical pommel....looks 'industrial' made ...likely a 'stop end' for a pipe. Assuming it has not been re-hilted, suggests to me late 19th early 20th C ...but could be younger.
I'm wondering whether the plaited strap was originally longer ...to go over the shoulder.

Regards David

stephen wood · 24th February 2009, 10:41 PM

...thank you all

Am I imagining it, or are there markings on the hilt?

Jim McDougall · 24th February 2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Chad borders all areas concerned. Being under French control, and this piece was sourced in the UK, perhaps it was from British controled areas? I like it.

Although Chad borders Sudan this piece does not seem to me to be South Sudan as in Dinka and others.

Good points Tim, and I agree, perhaps not southern Sudan per se', but the trade routes ran through Chad into Nigeria to the west, thus influences from the west, Cameroon, Nigeria would be carried along such routes.

Its always amazing how extensive these routes were, and that weapons traversed the continent quite often over centuries.

All the best,
Jim

Martin Lubojacky · 25th February 2009, 08:13 AM

I saw this type of sword in Northern Cameroon (Provincie Extreme North; also with rounded tip and very heavy blade with central "rib", but the blade was absolutely smooth) and I bought one in Maroua town (and one in Mandara M., I will post a photos later). As I already indicated - very similar swords you can also find in northern part of Mandara mountains. All of them (which I saw) were probably older than that one on the picture and some local people were of the opinion this swords are there from the times of Fulani Jihad in 19 (?) century. Nevertheless I saw only the rests of the sheaths and it was never with crocodile skin.

Martin

Bill M · 25th February 2009, 10:04 AM

It is, of course, a kaskouba.

24th February 2009, 09:35 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Chad borders all areas concerned. Being under French control, and this piece was sourced in the UK, perhaps it was from British controled areas? I like it. Although Chad borders Sudan this piece does not seem to me to be South Sudan as in Dinka and others.

24th February 2009, 10:00 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Nice, I particularly like the blade ...with the hammer marks still clearly visible. The cylindrical pommel....looks 'industrial' made ...likely a 'stop end' for a pipe. Assuming it has not been re-hilted, suggests to me late 19th early 20th C ...but could be younger. I'm wondering whether the plaited strap was originally longer ...to go over the shoulder. Regards David

24th February 2009, 10:41 PM	#3
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	...thank you all Am I imagining it, or are there markings on the hilt?

25th February 2009, 08:13 AM	#5
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	I saw this type of sword in Northern Cameroon (Provincie Extreme North; also with rounded tip and very heavy blade with central "rib", but the blade was absolutely smooth) and I bought one in Maroua town (and one in Mandara M., I will post a photos later). As I already indicated - very similar swords you can also find in northern part of Mandara mountains. All of them (which I saw) were probably older than that one on the picture and some local people were of the opinion this swords are there from the times of Fulani Jihad in 19 (?) century. Nevertheless I saw only the rests of the sheaths and it was never with crocodile skin. Martin

25th February 2009, 10:04 AM	#6
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	It is, of course, a kaskouba.