Beja Dagger
Beja Dagger
Beja
Mahdist Sudan - Anglo- Egyptian Sudan ( Eastern Sudan)
Late 19th century
Iron, wood, metal alloy
Blade: 20,3cm
Hilt & Blade: 30,5cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2020
Collection Number: 125
Ex. American Art Market (2020)
The traditional dagger of the Beja People of Eastern Sudan and Eritrea. This fine example is coming from around the Red Sea Coast region, particularly near the Sudanese coast to Khartoum. The double- edged iron blade is hand- forged in the hooked variation. A central fuller spans the straight portion of the blade flanked by two opposing sets of crescent stamps. Plain wooden "X" shaped hilt (slightly drooped) bound with silver wire on the central grip. There is a silver pommel plate engraved with geometric designs, fastened by a domed silver pommel. Previously, there were likely silver studs on the hilt now marked by pin holes. Missing its sheath. A very good 19th- century example of Beja craftsmanship. The drooped flared hilt with silver pommel plate is very uncommon for this type, suggesting an eastern Sudanese origin with the domed silver cap similar to Sudanese arm daggers alike.
The last photo shows Beja warriors in Port Sudan with "X" hilt daggers on the belts.
[1] W. O. Oldman, “Illustrated Catalogue of Ethnographic Specimens”, List No. 87, Vol. vii.; Item No. 16 (13902)
[2] Spring, Christopher. 1993. “African Arms and Armor”. Page 104
[4] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1935-0307-1
[5] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af-4403
[6] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af-4402
[7] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af-2681-a
[8] https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item/fine-african-bedja-dagger
[9] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=7281
[10] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=2791