“A feat of horsemanship by a Sheikh of the Amara tribe [Beni Amer] at Suakin”, Sudan, c. 1898. Illustration by John Charlton, after a sketch by William. T. Maud.

“A feat of horsemanship by a Sheikh of the Amara tribe [Beni Amer] at Suakin”, Sudan, c. 1898. Illustration by John Charlton, after a sketch by William. T. Maud. 

“Our Special Artist writes from Suakin: - “I have just had an opportunity of witnessing some remarkable feats of horsemanship, by a splendidly built Sheikh of the Amara tribe. He was clad in a coat of glittering chain mail, and mounted on a fine Dongola horse. He sent the animal at full gallop towards a […] of spectators, and when within a yard or so of them, suddenly checked it. The horse reared into the air amid a cloud of dust, while the rider whirled his sword like lightning round his head””

The Beni Amer, founded by Amer Kunu in the 16th century, are a traditionally pastoralist population primarily inhabiting the border region of Sudan and Eritrea, near the Red Sea, and are closely related to both to the Beja peoples as well as the Tigre people. Renowned warriors that served under the Funj of Sennar, as well as the Italians during the Mahdist war.