SUDANESE MAHDIST INFANTRY SPEAR

Early 1880s. Sudanese of a follower of the Mad Mahdi whose forces fought the British with suicidal fervor and results. 50" length.  Leaf shaped point with raised medial flanked by slightly concave fields (tool finished). Bolster with opposing rows of barbs and hatched bands. butted seam socket with hatched shoulders. Crisp, excellent and superior quality. Tool finished tapered haft with iron wrap counter weight to the butt. Excellent for the period and very superior form. Initially revolting against Turkish/Egyptian rule, the Mahdi raised the conflict to a jihad. England seized the opportunity presented by the failing Egyptian government, crushed by Suez Canal debt which produced no tangible result. It is documented Osama Bin Laden modeled himself after the Mahdi. This spear is the only example of its type we have encountered and of the very few which mount the signature crocodile hide.