Hi Roanoa,
The discussion of the manner of use of the 'shotel' seems to focus primarily on the highly parabolic sickle type examples, while the use of those with standard curve blades or even the slight recurved forms seems understood. Burton, who was in these regions in about the 1870's, and unsurprisingly, as an empassioned Anglocentric swordsman, declared that nothing was less handy than this gigantic sickle, and that "such a weapon never belonged to a race of swordsmen". He claims that such examples of weapon must have led to early emphasis to obtain swords from the Portuguese and Muslims as early as the 16th century.
It seems clear that as late as publication of Burton's book in 1885, and certainly during future colonial enterprise as late as WWII, there was little, if any true understanding of the use of the sickle shaped shotel. With the much larger volume of sabre blade mounted versions, it would almost seem that these may have been held more in a traditional sense and probably more dress or ceremonial. It was Spring who suggested that these were most probably originally used to circumvent the round shields.
I have always deferred to the martial arts enthusiasts in trying to explain the actual use of many of these weapons, and the fully parabolic deep curved blades such as on the shotel and some shamshirs seem hard to understand except for a sweeping draw cut. On the note on British swords with deep curves, I have seen British sabres (often Flank Company forms) with extremely deep parabolic curves and sharp points, with profile much as that of some shamshirs, most of these Napoleonic period.
Burton notes on p.163 that the high arc of the blade tapers to a point "...which can hardly be used". On a sickle type sword with a sharp point and the edge on the inside, it seems that a high tierce downward stroke might be effective over the shield, in traditional tribal combat. With the advent of modern warfare...undoubtedly moot.
Your knowledge and experience with Ethiopian weapons is well established here, and I offer these notes only as informational perspective on the deep curved shotels. Without sound evidence, as you say, thier use over shields in a hook fashion can only be presumed, but I would be inclined to follow your experienced opinion.
All very best regards,
Jim
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