Arm Dagger in Sheath
Fur / Nuba / Bedja / Barabra / Hadendoa, Sudan
Iron, wood, leather, silver, 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).

Both sides of this blade are inscribed in Arabic. One side describes a place and date: "Omdurman 1318" (1900); the other side references a passage from the Quran: "Al-Hashr Daram 12018."

13.25 :: 34 cm

InventoryID #13-2778

SOLD