The so-called ‘Mahdi uprising’ took place between 1881 and 1899 against the Egyptian-British occupation of Sudan. A self-proclaimed ‘mahdi’ (Muhammad Ahmad), a sort of Islamic political messiah, preached the return to old, strict Islamic values, against the westernisation brought about by foreigner invaders. The ‘mahdi’ united many tribes creating a large military coalition (‘Al-Ansar’), conquering vast portions of Sudan before his death in 1885 and founding the ‘Caliphate of Omdurman’. In 1898, mahdi supporters were defeated by the Anglo-Egyptian army. Their last caliph was killed in the battle of Umm one year later. The present cult dagger was manufactured during that epoch. It is most probably not a practical object, rather a ritual item (for dances?): Its pointed, large blade of forged iron is densely etched with religious forms and characters in Arabic Thuluth script throughout its surface on both sides. The handle is made of wood and covered in leather. With a plaited, leather carrying cord. A very rare, interesting piece, with good, old patina. Second half of the 19th century to about 1900; L: 31,5 cm, W: 13.5 cm. (ME)

Provenance: Viennese private collection.

Literature: 'Panga na visu. Kurzwaffen, geschmiedete Kultgegenstände und Schilde aus Afrika' by Manfred A. Zirngibl & Alexander Kubetz, ill. 604.