Processional Standard (Alam)
Mahdist Sudanese
Khartoum, Mahdist Sudan (Khartoum, Sudan)
1885 - 1898
Iron, brass
Blade Width: 14cm
Blade Length: 43,5cm
Collection Date: 2025
Collection Number: 460

Ex. Rick Stroud (RSWORD): Raleigh, North Carolina, USA (2025)

A fine processional standard or alam from the Mahdist period of Sudan. Prestige examples such as this, along with axes, blades, and throwing knives were produced in the workshops of Khartoum after the British fall of Omdurman from 1885 until the demise of the Mahdist state in 1898. Their form and decoration are consistent in manner with thuluth etchings influenced by Qajar period arms in regards to the Sufi order. They were not used for battle but rather used as an emblem of insignia or rank and leadership, powerful talismans to rouse ansars before battle in Sufi devotion. The alams or standards were badges of command and symbolized units within the Mahdist army.

Mahdist pieces like this were influenced by Qajar processional standards. The banners were important in the structure of the Madhi army and the Khalifa. The two divergent side points are alluding to the two tips of Dhu'l-fiqar, the double bladed sword of Ali ibn Talib, the cousin, son-in-law, and companion of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and representing the sword of truth and justice.

This example standard is trident shaped of heavy iron and sheet metal with unsharpened edges. Steel socket riveted to the base with two bulbous sections. The blade and socket are completely acid etched with repeated calligraphic koranic verses of thuluth (pseudo- Arabic) script. A cross is cut out in the center, with an unknown interpretation, sometimes seen upside down. Overlaid in brass Islamic symbolism (crescents, stars, and linear motifs). Missing the wooden shaft. An exciting piece to Mahdist history of Sudan.

[1] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341941623_SUFI_IN_WAR_PERSIAN_INFLUENCE_ON_AFRICAN_WEAPONRY_IN_19TH_CENTURY_MAHDIST_SUDAN

[2] https://collections.artsmia.org/art/5281/prestige-blade-unknown-mahdist

[3] https://africanarms.com/images/bagallery/original/Alam-152-cm.jpg

[4] https://galleryrider.com/index.php/tribal-art/archive/symmetrical-blades/elaborately-decorated-flamboyant-short-sword-alam

[5] https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/antique-mughal-indian-or-persian-trident-spear-la-42-c-d484c619a4?objectID=190525628&algIndex=undefined&queryID=b25e8dbd157cb200ad41dc70b5939ae2

[6] https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-ceremonial-damascened-watered-steel-trident-219-c-bac4d3183d?objectID=187915364&algIndex=undefined&queryID=b25e8dbd157cb200ad41dc70b5939ae2

[7] https://www.faganarms.com/products/rare-sudanese-battle-standard-alam-mahdist-war-period-c-1885

[8] https://www.faganarms.com/products/rare-sudanese-battle-standard-alam-mahdist-war-period-c-1886