Dagger - Eritrea
02
days
14
hours
14
minutes
12
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Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 240 - € 270
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Description from the seller
Original antique Beja dagger (Hingar/Khinjar) from Sudan or Eritrea – a rare collectible of the Beja culture! This piece is not a modern replica, but a genuine historical specimen from the early 20th century.
The Beja (also called Bischari) are an ancient nomadic people in Northeast Africa who have worn such daggers as weapons, tools, and status symbols for centuries. This dagger is a typical example of the region's traditional craftsmanship.
Dimensions:
- Overall length: 30.5 cm
- Blade: 21 cm long, 3.5 cm wide (at the base) – single-edged, slightly curved
- Handle: 12.5 cm long, 10 cm wide (cross-shaped, wooden with metal fittings)
- Scabbard: wood with leather cover, hand-engraved (traditional African motifs)
- Weight: approx. 300 g
Condition:
- Blade: light patina of aging, no deep rust – forging marks are visible.
- Handle: intact, with traditional carvings and metal reinforcements.
- Scabbard: original, with engravings (geometric/symbolic motifs) – light wear, but no cracks.
- No modern repairs – 100% original condition.
Special features:
- Cultural significance: Among the Beja, the dagger was an important status symbol and was worn daily on the belt by men.
- Craftsmanship: the engraved wooden scabbard and the decorated handle show traditional African metalworking.
- Rarity: Beja daggers are rarer than Ottoman or Persian daggers and highly sought after by ethnographic collectors.
Origin & History:
- Likely Sudan or Eritrea
- Beja culture – an ancient nomadic people with a long tradition in metalworking.
- No verifiable provenance, but clearly not a modern piece.
Legal note:
- In Germany no weapons license is required (antique piece, blade length under 40 cm).
- Buyer must check the legal requirements in their country (e.g., in the UK or France antique daggers can also be subject to reporting).
Seller's Story
Moogoo Creative Africa stands for sustainability and fair conditions: We purchase our products directly from the artists and the designers' workshops in Burkina Faso, in order to promote a transparent and fair distribution of your art in Europe and the world. The aim is to create unbureaucratic and uncomplicated trade routes for African artists.
Original antique Beja dagger (Hingar/Khinjar) from Sudan or Eritrea – a rare collectible of the Beja culture! This piece is not a modern replica, but a genuine historical specimen from the early 20th century.
The Beja (also called Bischari) are an ancient nomadic people in Northeast Africa who have worn such daggers as weapons, tools, and status symbols for centuries. This dagger is a typical example of the region's traditional craftsmanship.
Dimensions:
- Overall length: 30.5 cm
- Blade: 21 cm long, 3.5 cm wide (at the base) – single-edged, slightly curved
- Handle: 12.5 cm long, 10 cm wide (cross-shaped, wooden with metal fittings)
- Scabbard: wood with leather cover, hand-engraved (traditional African motifs)
- Weight: approx. 300 g
Condition:
- Blade: light patina of aging, no deep rust – forging marks are visible.
- Handle: intact, with traditional carvings and metal reinforcements.
- Scabbard: original, with engravings (geometric/symbolic motifs) – light wear, but no cracks.
- No modern repairs – 100% original condition.
Special features:
- Cultural significance: Among the Beja, the dagger was an important status symbol and was worn daily on the belt by men.
- Craftsmanship: the engraved wooden scabbard and the decorated handle show traditional African metalworking.
- Rarity: Beja daggers are rarer than Ottoman or Persian daggers and highly sought after by ethnographic collectors.
Origin & History:
- Likely Sudan or Eritrea
- Beja culture – an ancient nomadic people with a long tradition in metalworking.
- No verifiable provenance, but clearly not a modern piece.
Legal note:
- In Germany no weapons license is required (antique piece, blade length under 40 cm).
- Buyer must check the legal requirements in their country (e.g., in the UK or France antique daggers can also be subject to reporting).
Seller's Story
Moogoo Creative Africa stands for sustainability and fair conditions: We purchase our products directly from the artists and the designers' workshops in Burkina Faso, in order to promote a transparent and fair distribution of your art in Europe and the world. The aim is to create unbureaucratic and uncomplicated trade routes for African artists.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Eritrea
Material
Iron (cast/wrought), Leather, Wood
Condition
Good
Height
30.5 cm
Accessories Included
Sheath
Overall Length
30.5 cm
Sold by
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
