Central African for ID

[Changdao]

Originally Posted by Pertinax

Barth H., Travels and Discoveries in North and Central Africa . . . 1849-1855, 5 vols. (New York, 1857, 3 vol., 197

Musgu's weapons

They generally carry only one spear, but several “goliyo”s or hand-bills, the latter being evidently their best weapon, not only in close fight, but even at a distance, as they are very expert in throwing this sharp and double-pointed iron sideways, and frequently inflict severe wounds on the legs of horses as well as of men.

Indeed, these throwing knives of the "northern family" were in common use in the area near Lake Chad. Attached is a photography of a rider with several on his shoulder.

As for the knives of the "southern family", they were also used for real. Their more complex shape and higher cost meant they were socially important and used only on important occassions such as pitched battles, but they were used in earnest nonetheless, as reported by contemporary writers and Evans Pritchard's studies from the interview of old warriors who had been alive when these were used in warfare. They are extremely aerodinamic and fly very well.