FINE AND RARE ETHIOPIAN TRIDENT

Second half of the 19th century, the period of wars fending off the Egyptians and colonial powers. The Mahdists attacked as well during the Sudanese War in 1889. This weapon most likely dates to the early 1880s when the war started with the Ottoman Egyptian attack at Aba, though there were battles between the English and Sudanese through the previous decade. 82 ½” length with hardwood shaft painted dark orange and set with three tacks at the center, originally mounting a cloth trailer. Finely forged iron head with thickened edge open seam conical socket with central baluster to the bolster. Square base to the head, pierced with Christian cross and decorated circles and stipple bands running up the triple supports of the triple leaf shaped points. Excellent preservation for the period. Just the second example we have encountered.