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

The muder, or scorpion, was produced by the 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 blade comes from the collection of Captain T.E. Hearn, Essex Regiment (attached to Sudan Defence Corps 1927-1929). In a photograph showing nine blades on display in his home in Khartoum (below), this blade appears fourth from left. 

30.625 in :: 78 cm

InventoryID #13-2362

Not For Sale