Prestige Mahdist Blade Copying Ottoman Axe

The Mahdist movement in Suan in the late 19 C. employed Prestige blades copying arms from a variety of cultures, from Africa as well as from the Middle East. These blades were held by high rank commanders and army leaders as an emblem of power. Such Mahdist weapons were commonly acid etched with” Thuluth” imitating Arabic script.

The Mahdist axe offered here is modeled after a throwing blade with an Ottoman like axe head al around etched with thuluth script. The original handle is made from heavy reptile skin.

Length 23 ½ inches (60 cm). Very good condition. Late 19 C.