Kaskara Saif
Sudanese Arab / Beja
Mahdist Sudan - Anglo- Egyptian Sudan (Eastern Sudan)
Late 19th century - Early 20th century
Steel, wood, leather, cotton
Blade: 89,5cm
Hilt & Blade: 102,9cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2025
Collection Number: 477

Ex. Private Collection: Seattle, Washington, USA (2025)

The kaskara or saif is the traditional sword of Sudan taking its form from European medieval knightly swords of the middle ages. Used by Sudanese Arabs, kaskaras are found throughout Sudan from the Red Sea Coast to the desert plains of Darfur and into Chad.

This kaskara dates from the late 19th to the early 20th century and is very likely used by the Beja tribes of Eastern Sudan. 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, with the engravings done locally in Sudan.

The steel cross guard has a squared langlet and quillions. The hilt is wood bound in leather strips around the grip with a leather wrapped disc- shaped pommel. A brown cotton tassel is tied around the base, commonly used by the Beja tribes to distinguish tribe and status. The last photograph shows Beja warriors with a similar kaskara. A very good and well- made kaskara sword with an attractive blade elaborately decorated.

[1] https://www.penn.museum/collections/object/198124

[2] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1900-0514-1-a-b?selectedImageId=1423799001

[3] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=2354

[4] https://africanarms.com/gallery.html?kaskara-from-el-fasher-darfur-95-cm