Ceremonial Blade in the form of a Muder Throwing Knife
Fundj (Gule / Hameg / Schankalla), Northern Ingessana, Sudan
Iron, leather
Early 20th century

According to records from Hartvig Fleege of Malmö, this old knife, which was a cult or venerable object, served as a symbolic scepter inspired by the famous Muder throwing knife. It was the prerogative of the Funj, also known as Hamedj, Gule, and Shankalla, who live north of the Ingessana (Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

The blade has repeating incising patterns not found on Muder blades and, on the grip - an unusual detail - the butt is entirely wrapped in leather.   

This example is unusual for its small size, distinct incision patterns, and unique crossbar. A comparable example was published in Tirri, Islamic and Native Weapons of Colonial Africa, 2007, fig. 1-30.

21 in :: 53 cm

InventoryID #13-1486

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