Symmetrical Dagger in Sheath
Beja / Hadendoa, Eritrea / Sudan
Iron, wood, leather, , aluminum, brass, copper
Early 20th century

The Hadendoa live in Eritrea and in adjacent areas of the Sudan. In addition to the broad sword kaskara a Hadendoa man would carry his own dagger, Yemeni-style, on the front of his waist in a small sheath attached to a broad belt. The wood or horn hilts are distinctive with their flaring quillons (Spring, African Arms and Armor, 1993).

This example still has its original carrying belt (which is removable), that is composed of embossed leather with iron elements. When fully extended, the belt measures 51.5 inches (131 cm). The sheath is decorated in three different metals: there is an incised aluminum cap at the tip, and a finely-detailed brass crown at the mouth with copper overlay. 

14.5 in :: 37 cm

InventoryID #13-2820

Price on Request