Sudanese Processional Battle Standard (Alam)

Battle standards (Alam)  are used in many parts of the Muslim world, mostly  by the Shi’a community in processions marking the murder  of Imam Husain, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 A.D. The Sudanese arsenal imitate styles and shapes of the Persian arms and armor, hence although most Sudanese people adhere to the Sunny, Alam battle standards are found in the Sudanese arsenal as well.

This is the case of the unusual item offered below. A double axe head with a spike and with additional two Jambiya style daggers. The axe heads and the spike are too small to be used as a weapons, therefore we gather that this is a processional standard (Alam).

The axe heads are etched with dense vegetation design. A set of two daggers with curved double edged blade with antler horn handles are mounted just below the axe heads. Their scabbards are made from dried skin of a local lizard or a similar reptile with its head and legs folded. The daggers blades are decorated with  geometrical engraving typical to the region. The shaft is a steel tube painted black and partially covered with reptile skin as well.

Axes are 6 inches wide. Spike length 4 inches. Daggers blades are 5 inches long, 12 inches total length. The total length of the alam is 77 inches. Very good condition. Minor losses to the reptile skin. An authentic and unusual item from the first half of the 20th C.

Delivery note: because of the length this item can be delivered with courier services only. price not included.