Large And Formidable Sudanese Kaskara Sword, 1870, 19th Century

A powerful, original Kaskara sword belonging to a Sudanese Mahdi dervish, dating from around 1870, with its original leather scabbard. One splint is missing. The blade is 97 cm long, 5 cm wide at the ricasso, and 1.10 cm overall. The hilt is made of solid bronze. The blade features a profusion of Islamic engravings from the Quran on all surfaces, both sides. In the 1880s, Sudan, a vast territory located just south of Egypt, was governed by the Kadive from Cairo. Sudan was primarily populated by indigenous southern Africans and Arab traders. North of the Muslim religious leader known as the "Mahdi," who began to unify the population and provoke an uprising against Egypt. This example, like all the others, is inspired by the imposing broadswords of the Crosians of the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries. This is certainly a war trophy brought back to England after the Battle of Omdurman in 1898 by an English officer. The blade does not fit completely into the scabbard; I did not want to force it. It should be greased. Personal collection. Original and period sword.