Muder Throwing Knife
Gaam / Ingessana, Sudan
Iron, leather
Late 19th / early 20th century

The muder, or scorpion, was produced by the Gaam and Ingesanna, who occupy the Blue Nile province of the Sudan. This knife has not, in recent history, been thrown, nor is it reported to have been used offensively or defensively. It was carried by adult males as a sort of an essential male fashion accessory.

The Ingesanna describe the muder as being of female form, depicting the head (the striking section), neck, body, breasts (the crossbar), and loins (the shaft and grip). Spring writes: the muder "reflects not only man's relationship with the natural world, but also, perhaps, the reconciliation of opposing elements within himself" (Hurst, Ngola, 1997. Spring, African Arms & Armor, 1993).

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

From the estate of Ray Hughes, Australia. 

21 in :: 53 cm

InventoryID #13-1486

SOLD