These handsome daggers were worn by the nomadic Hadendoa people, their name has been interpreted as meaning "Lion Clan" or "Children of the Lioness". They are a subdivision of the Beja people from which these daggers derive their name. They inhabit the deserts of southeastern Egypt to eastern Sudan and the northwestern part of Eritrea. The Hadendoa fought Anglo-Egyptian ruled Sudan between 1883-1898 and were known for their bravery. The blade is of very fine quality for one of these, with a well defined central ridge, all ground with precision. Four small lines are engraved into the blade's base near the hilt. The hilt in typical X shape, finely carved of dark hardwood. The center section is wrapped with silver wire. The hilt is further adorned with 12 embossed silver circular ornaments. Complete with tooled leather scabbard. The blade fits tightly into the scabbard. There is an old split to one section of one side of the scabbard, due to shrinkage. A very good example of its type, in near-perfect condition.