Asymmetrical Dagger in Sheath
Beja / Hadendoa / Kunama / Beni Amer, Eastern Sudan / Eritrea
Iron, wood, leather, crocodile
Early 20th century

In Eritrea and eastern Sudan live the Beja (Bedja), who consist of five tribes, one of which is the Hadendoa. The Beja have reportedly lived in the region since the 1600s. (Tirri, Islamic and Native Weapons of Colonial Africa, 2007).

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 handle design is often described as an "X." This "L-shaped" blade type is distinctive, and most related examples date from the 19th century. 

13.5 in :: 34.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2150

Price on Request