Beja Dagger
Beja Dagger
Beja
Anglo- Egyptian Sudan ( Eastern Sudan) - Italian Eritrea (Eritrea)
First half 20th century
Iron, wood, silver alloy, leather, snake skin
Blade: 17,1cm
Hilt & Blade: 27,3cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 30,5cm
Collection Date: 2016
Collection Number: 36
Ex. Auctions Imperial: Chatsworth, California, USA (2016)
The traditional dagger of the Beja People of Eastern Sudan and Eritrea. This fine example is coming from around the Red Sea Coast region. The curved double- edged iron blade is hand- forged, having a medial ridge. Fluted carved wooden " X" hilt adorned with silver floral rosettes. The leather sheath covered in snake skin and decorated in silver fittings. Of particular interest is the snakeskin sheath, which is uncommon for this type of dagger.
[1] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=6217