Symmetrical Zulfiqar Split-Tip Sword in Sheath
Possibly Fur, Sudan
Iron, bone, leather, lead, monitor, crocodile, cotton
19th century

Swords with a split tip are symbols that invoke the legendary Zulfiqar (Dhu’l-fiqar), a curved, split-tip sword that was given to Muhammad by Allah. The sword appeared in Muhammad’s hands and he threw it to Ali ibn Abi Talib to replace his old broken sword.

Zulfiqar was frequently depicted on flags and invoked on talismans. A common talismanic inscription or invocation is the double statement: “There is no sword but the Zulfiqar, and there is no Hero but Ali. There is no Hero but Ali, and there is no sword but the Zulfiqar” (“Zulfiqar,” Wikipedia.com, 2023).

15 in :: 38 cm

InventoryID #13-2153

Not For Sale