Sudan, Ethiopia: tribe: Beni Amer: An old sword of the ‘Crusader type’.
In specialised literature, the origin of the present sword type, called ‘Kaskara’, is traced back to the weapons used by European crusaders in the Middles Ages. This type of sword still exists today in Kordofan, central Sudan, and in northwestern Ethiopia. The sword has a very long, double-edged blade made of locally forged iron, with chamfered middle furrow and two opposing crescents as blacksmith’s marks on each side. The straight, thick, cross-shaped iron cross guard is surmounted by a round hilt enveloped in leather, with a round flat pommel. The sheath is made of leather and grows larger towards the bottom. It features a linear, embossed, geometric décor. The same applies to the two hanging triangular ornamental pieces of leather. A carrying strap made of leather hangs on two iron rings. The metal shoe on the lower tip of the sheath is probably a later addition.
Overall a very old piece with good usage patina. Only minor damage.
Between the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century; L: 108 cm (in total) (ME)
Lit.: 'Afrikanische Waffen' by Fischer & Zirngibl, p. 48, fig. 62.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
26.05.2015 - 15:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 600.- to EUR 800.-
Sudan, Ethiopia: tribe: Beni Amer: An old sword of the ‘Crusader type’.
In specialised literature, the origin of the present sword type, called ‘Kaskara’, is traced back to the weapons used by European crusaders in the Middles Ages. This type of sword still exists today in Kordofan, central Sudan, and in northwestern Ethiopia. The sword has a very long, double-edged blade made of locally forged iron, with chamfered middle furrow and two opposing crescents as blacksmith’s marks on each side. The straight, thick, cross-shaped iron cross guard is surmounted by a round hilt enveloped in leather, with a round flat pommel. The sheath is made of leather and grows larger towards the bottom. It features a linear, embossed, geometric décor. The same applies to the two hanging triangular ornamental pieces of leather. A carrying strap made of leather hangs on two iron rings. The metal shoe on the lower tip of the sheath is probably a later addition.
Overall a very old piece with good usage patina. Only minor damage.
Between the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century; L: 108 cm (in total) (ME)
Lit.: 'Afrikanische Waffen' by Fischer & Zirngibl, p. 48, fig. 62.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 26.05.2015 - 15:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 20.05. - 26.05.2015 |