Large Ingessana Throwing Knife with Important Provenance, Sudan

The Ingessana people of the Blue Nile region of Sudan carry large and heavy throwing knives that relate to poisonous reptiles: Serpent (Sai) and scorpion (Mudar). The shape and incisions on the blade remind the relation of these weapons to the reptiles.

The Mudar knife offered here is heavy, forged from thick steel engraved on both sides. The base of the cross bar is bound with leather strips. The knife is engraved with a styled scorpion at the top head. Original hide bound handle.

This throwing knife comes from the collection of Captain T.E. Hearn, Essex Regiment (attached to Sudan Defense Corps 1927-1929). Attached photograph below show nine blades on display in his home in Khartoum, this blades appear second from right.

Length 29 inches (74 cm). Very good condition. Authentic late 19C. - early 20 C.

For a very similar knives see: Chistopher Spring “African Arms and Armour” Page 76, fig. 68

See also: Peter Westerdijk “The African Throwing Knife” Group VI # 1.