Arm Dagger in Sheath
Fur / Nuba / Bedja / Barabra / Hadendoa, Sudan
Iron, wood, leather, copper
Late 19th century

Knives of this type were widely used by numerous cultures throughout Sudan and attributing them to one specific group can be problematic. They were commonly found among the Fur and Nuba. Many found their way into distant areas via a system of long distance trade by caravans, ending up far to the east in Somalia and far to the west in Nigeria. 

The knife was worn on the outside of the upper arm, handle pointing downwards, and grabbed with the opposite hand (Fischer & Zirngibl, Afrikanische Waffen, 1978; Sparks, “Arab Knife,” Southern Sudan Project, 2005; Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

The copper coin on the top of the handle is a 1/40 Qirsch dated 1293 (1876). 

Collected by Wolf-Dieter Miersch in Aswan in 1981. 

9.625 in :: 24.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2774

SOLD