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Sudanese hippopotamus hide daraga or shield
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Sudanese hippopotamus hide daraga or shield
Sudanese hippopotamus hide daraga or shield, 1885 (c). Reputedly taken at Maj Gen Sir J McNeills zariba, Tofrek, 22 Mar 1885, 1st Sudan War (1884-1885). Circular with central boss and two indentations at edge; grip spanning boss interior; some strapping remains. Date: 1885
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Media ID 14389813
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1885 Dervish Forces Hide Hippopotamus Reputedly Shield Suakin Sudan Sudanese
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases a Sudanese hippopotamus hide daraga or shield, a historical artifact from the 1st Sudan War in 1885. Reputedly taken at Major General Sir John (Jack) MacNeill's zariba, or defensive enclosure, at Tofrek on March 22, 1885, during the Battle of Suakin on the Red Sea coast of Africa, this circular shield is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Sudanese Dervish forces. The hide shield, adorned with intricate patterns and natural textures, is believed to have been crafted from the hide of a hippopotamus. Its central boss, two indentations at the edge, and grip spanning the interior of the boss are distinct features of traditional Sudanese shields. The 1st Sudan War, also known as the Mahdist War, was a significant conflict between the Mahdist forces, led by Muhammad Ahmad ibn Abd Allah, and the Anglo-Egyptian forces, led by General Sir Gerald Graham. The Battle of Suakin was a crucial engagement in the war, with the Dervish forces successfully defending their position against the Anglo-Egyptian advance towards Khartoum. Major General Sir John MacNeill, a British Army officer, played a pivotal role in the battle, leading the Anglo-Egyptian forces in their attempt to capture Suakin. The shield in this photograph may have been taken as a trophy or as evidence of the battle's outcome. This photograph offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Sudanese people and the conflicts that shaped the region during the late 19th century. The intricately designed hippopotamus hide daraga serves as a reminder of the resilience and creativity of the Sudanese people in the face of adversity.
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