Kaskara Saif
Kaskara Saif
Sudanese Arab / Beja
Mahdist Sudan - Anglo- Egyptian Sudan (Eastern Sudan)
Late 19th century (ca. 1880 - 1900)
Steel, wood, leather, crocodile skin
Blade: 90,2cm
Hilt & Blade: 102,9cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2019
Collection Number: 478
Ex. Florida, USA Private Collection (2019)
Purchased in Khartoum, Sudan in 1985 or between 1993 - 1994.
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 and Beja, 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 century originating from Eastern Sudan.
The straight blade is double- edged, having a central panel with two outside fullers that span the entirety of the blade. The interior of the panel is extensively decorated with repeating acid etched designs in a floral vine pattern. The ricasso at the base is stamped either "AST" or "LST" as it is hard to decipher the first letter. The opposite side of the blade has the ricasso stamped with the Lion of Judah. The blade is an imported European blade which was locally decorated in Ethiopia, likely Kassala Province where many Ethiopian bladesmiths were present.
The steel cross guard having a flared langlet and quillions decorated with a chiseled "V". The hilt is wood bound in leather at the base with old crocodile skin at the top, a solid leather section, and leather strands at the base. Leather wrapped disc- shaped pommel. A very good quality and solid kaskara sword with an attractive Ethiopian blade elaborately decorated. The cross guard is very well made on this example.
This sword was acquired by the previous owner during diplomatic postings in Khartoum, Sudan either in 1985 or between 1993-1994 when he was stationed there.
[1] https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-20446
[2] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=181
[3] https://galleryrider.com/index.php/african-art/archive/symmetrical-blades/kaskara-broadsword-sheath
[4] https://africanarms.com/gallery.html?7-kaskara-silver-s
[5] https://africanarms.com/gallery.html?1-kaskara-101-5-cm-gr
[6] https://africanarms.com/gallery.html?3-kaskara-101-5-cm-handle
[7] https://africanarms.com/gallery.html?8-kaskara-with-unusual-handle-104-cm
[8] https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-good-sudanese-chiefs-massive-kaskara-or-sword-7ca46bda62 (Sold £946 including premium March 2024)