Beja merchants in Port Sudan continue to polish and sell traditional kaskara swords at the Daim Arab Market [1].
These weapons serve as more than tools of combat; they are essential cultural markers for the Beja people. The persistence of this trade highlights the resilience of eastern Sudanese heritage in a region often defined by its volatility.
The kaskara is a straight, double-edged blade that remains a centerpiece of Beja social life. Merchants at the market maintain the steel to ensure the blades remain functional and visually striking for their buyers [1]. For the Beja, the sword is a cherished tradition that connects current generations to their ancestral roots.
These blades are frequently carried during weddings, where they symbolize the strength and status of the groom. They are also used during long journeys and serve as a visible sign of eastern Sudanese identity [1]. The act of carrying a kaskara is an expression of cultural pride and a statement of belonging within the Beja community.
The Daim Arab Market serves as the primary hub for this trade in Port Sudan. Here, the process of polishing the steel is as significant as the sale itself, a ritual that preserves the physical and symbolic integrity of the weapon [1].
While the world around them changes, the demand for these traditional blades persists. The kaskara remains a focal point of identity for those navigating the social and cultural landscapes of eastern Sudan [1].
“The kaskara is a straight, double-edged blade that remains a centerpiece of Beja social life.”
The continued trade and use of kaskara swords underscore the importance of material culture in maintaining ethnic identity. By preserving the craft of the sword in the Daim Arab Market, the Beja people maintain a tangible link to their history and a visual marker of distinction within the broader Sudanese state.
