Kaskara Saif
Kaskara Saif
Sudanese Arab
Mahdist Sudan - Anglo- Egyptian Sudan (Sudan)
Late 19th century
Steel, metal alloy, cotton, leather, iron, crocodile skin
Blade: 89,5cm
Hilt & Blade: 104,8cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 111,8cm
Collection Date: 2020
Collection Number: 134
Ex. Auctions Imperial: Chatsworth, California (2020)
The kaskara or saif is the traditional sword of Sudan taking its form from early Mamluk swords. Used by Sudanese Arabs including the Beja and Baggara, kaskaras are found throughout Sudan from the Red Sea Coast to the desert plains of Darfur and into Chad.
This fine kaskara dates from the late 19th century and was likely used by a Baggara mounted cavalry as its styling aligns with the form from Darfur kaskara. The straight blade is double- edged, having a series of three central fullers. The outside fullers span approximately 1/4 of the blade's length while the central fuller continues to about 3/4 length near the point. The blade is extensively engraved on one side with scrolling floral work and a coiling snake. The reverse side of the blade is also extensively engraved with more scrolling floral work, a moon with a face within, and celestial comets. The blade is likely a European trade blade, possibly German. Very good quality blade with crisp engravings done locally in Sudan. The blade resembles 18th-century European blades, but the snake motif engraving is distinctive in Sudanese form, an adaptation of Persian Sufi order iconography.
The steel cross guard has a squared langlet and quillions. The silver alloy hilt is embossed with a series of diamond patterns, with the top collar having a cast silver filigree band. Silver alloy disc- shaped pommel and cap engraved in a myriad of detailed patterns. A green braided cotton tassel is tied around the base, indicating the completion of the Hajj.
The sheath is tooled leather with two hanging triangular talismans. The supports decorated in two bands of crocodile skin. The leather baldric is held by two iron suspension rings. Quality silver filigree locket and chape mounts. A fine kaskara sword with an attractive European blade elaborately engraved. Excellent Silver mounts and fittings. Once held by an important Sudanese dignitary, chief, or emir. The kaskara form here is reminiscent of Western styled Kaskaras of Darfur and Kordofan with flared quillions, silver diamond patterned hilt and pommel.
Photograph 17: Mounted Sudanese Cavalry knight wearing chain mail and equipped with a kaskara sword, late 19th century. (This kaskara is very similar to the example presented and in the form of Darfur styling; suggesting a Baggara chief or emir from Darfur or Kordofan.
Photograph 18: Weapons on display at the Palace of Sultan Ali Dinar in El Fasher, Darfur. (Photo credit to Ashraf Shazly/AFP/ Getty Images).
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[2] Spring, Christopher. 1993. “African Arms and Armor”. Page41 (Info.)
[4] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1979-01-3016-a?selectedImageId=1438507001
[5] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1932-1014-1-a?selectedImageId=1165092001
[6] https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-1916
[7] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=1430
[8] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4018
[10] https://africanarms.com/gallery.html?7-kaskara-silver-s
[11] https://africanarms.com/gallery.html?kaskara-from-el-fasher-darfur-95-cm