19th Century Kaskara Sword With Leather Scabbard

~ 19th Century Kaskara Sword With Leather Scabbard ~

This is a good example of this African sword, it is complete with its leather scabbard which has a woven pommel and leather tassel.

~ Kaskara ~

The kaskara was a type of sword characteristic of Sudan, Chad and Eritrea. The blade of the kaskara was usually about a yard long, double edged and with a spatulate tip. While most surviving examples are from the 19th century, the type is believed to have originated around the early 14th century, and may represent a localised survival of the straight, double-edged medieval Arab sword. The kaskara was worn horizontally across the back or between the upper arm and thorax. According to British Museum curator Christopher Spring, "in the central and eastern Sudan, from Chad through Darfur and across to the Red Sea province, the straight, double-edged swords known as kaskara were an essential possession of most men."

~ Condition ~

The blade is in good order with some darkening. The leather grip is still soft and supple. The scabbard is in good order too.

~ Dimensions ~

The sword has a total length of 65 cm (26 inches) with a 50 cm (19.5 inch) blade.

#9454