Prestige Knife, Sai
Ingessana, Sudan (Kordofan)
Iron, leather, wood, vegetal fiber
Late 19th / early 20th century

This knife, known as sai, ‘the snake,’ was found predominantly among the Ingessana people of the Blue Nile province, but also among the Nuba of Kordofan and the Nuer-Berta who lived south of the Ingessana.

While this piece fits the description of a throwing knife in every way, this blade type, modeled after throwing knives, was not intended for use as such. In addition to being too heavy and large for throwing, most owners of this expensive type wouldn't "likely have risked theirs getting lost in this way," as they were potent symbols of manhood. Being an item of such high prestige, these fabulous weapons would have been used more often for such jobs as cutting grass than for any war-like purpose. 

But specifics aside, this blade is emblematic of the Sudanese style, distinctive from any weapon from any other culture or time period, and can convey power and authority far beyond its functional purpose (Spring, African Arms and Armor, 1993; Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984; Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988). 

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 third from left. 

30.75 in :: 78 cm

InventoryID #13-2299

Price on Request