A Fine Azande Arm Dagger
Anglo- Egyptian Sudan (South Sudan)
Early 20th century (ca. 1900 - 1925)
Elephant ivory, reptile skin (monitor), tooled leather, steel
Blade: 15,2cm
Hilt & Blade: 24,1cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 26,7cm
Collection Date: 2021
Collection Number: 239

The Azande arm dagger is similar to other arm daggers that can be found across Africa with minor differences in form and materials. This is a fine example from the Azande people of now South Sudan. Its aged elephant ivory carved hilt engraved with circle- dot motifs is curved in a crescent shape similar to Hausa arm daggers rather than the typical Sudanese disc shaped pommel. A silver decorated cap is attached to the pommel.

The steel blade is straight, double- edged, tapering into a point with a medial ridge in its entirety, separated by two fullers. Its sheath is reptile, likely monitor skin, housing a set of steel tools, a stitiching needle and tweezers. Leather braided arm loop. This piece is from the early 20th century with these types not as common as the typical northern Sudanese arm daggers often encountered. This particular example has a finely aged ivory patina that is quite appealing.