An interesting sword from the Sahel region

[Martin Lubojacky]

Enclosed please find photos of an interesting sword that I believe comes from the Sahel region. The sword is heavy, the blade measures approx. 4.7 cm at its widest point. I believe that the shape of the blade indicates a Tebbu origin, nevertheless on the other hand the shape of the hilt is similar to that of Hausa daggers - but the circle at its end is striking... (The dagger on the ground next to the sword is Ethiopian)

[Yvain]

The pommel is different, but the blade and the guard remind me of Yaka swords : https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/openc...objects/142325 . Maybe a lead to investigate ? Doesn't remind me of any Sahelian weapons I've seen before though.

[Martin Lubojacky]

Dear Yvain, Thank you for your response. I was led to the idea of Hausa by the shape of the guard on the wooden handle, which is similar to some Hausa daggers . http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=Hausa+dagger
The triangular engravings on the blade seem to me to be typical for the blades of the southern part of the Sahel (there are also also similar engravings on some spearheads in northern Cameroon).

I have had three swords consecutively from the Yaka ethnic group and I believe it is not the same case.
Best,
Martin

[Araña_del_Sol]

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

Dear Yvain, Thank you for your response. I was led to the idea of Hausa by the shape of the guard on the wooden handle, which is similar to some Hausa daggers . http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=Hausa+dagger
The triangular engravings on the blade seem to me to be typical for the blades of the southern part of the Sahel (there are also also similar engravings on some spearheads in northern Cameroon).

I have had three swords consecutively from the Yaka ethnic group and I believe it is not the same case.
Best,
Martin

Hi Martin,

I agree with your attribution. I have a Hausa dagger/short sword that has triangular engravings on a region of the blade resembling those on your sword, lending support to a Sahelian origin. The hilt of my dagger also has some similarities to your sword (except the pommel)

- ADS