Chamba short sword for comment

[Tim Simmons]

I like the simple guard and handle/pommel too.

[Iain]

Thanks Tim, I also appreciate the practical nature of this weapon. To perhaps stimulate a little more discussion, I'm attaching another photo illustrating better the size of the hilt. I have reasonably large hands but it is still a reasonable fit.

The shape of the pommel, due to the rounded and tapered base, works quite well in the palm. I've found this with takouba as well and it seems quite intentional.

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Iain,
Thank you for the photo of this fascinating sword in the hand, that indeed adds great perspective. So often seeing weapons illustrated without context gives distorted views of thier actual size.

The blade on this is most interesting with its median ridge, and that it is essentially a sabre type blade with a curious uptick at the point. While I cannot offer a great deal of direct suggestion as to possible associations at this point, I have seen a similar presence of this feature elsewhere. In studying the 'uptick' on the blade of espada anchas in Spanish colonial setting I was once told this was for thrust and upward cut. While certainly these espadas are outside the sphere with reference to this Chamba weapon, it is notable that the Spanish influences from Moroccan regions certainly were carried to Spains America's.

Looking into earlier history in North Africa, it has long been established that weapons and influences were deeply ingrained in long standing native traditions from these times. Looking at the downturned quillons on the crossguard one cannot discount recalling this feature on the Jineta or Hispano-Moresque swords of medieval times. Returning to the uptick on the blade, certainly not a feature from this context where broadswords were used, it seems I have seen it on examples of Moroccan/Algerian sa'if (often termed nim'cha).

Although these are essentially Moroccan influences I am citing, the well established trade routes moving southward into these regions would have easily been present in Chamba regions just as these networks were ever present throughout North Africa. As always, admittedly free association only without further corroborating evidence with other examples, we can always hope to find other clues supporting or disputing these suggestions.

These are my thoughts prompted by this definitely thought provoking anomaly, and I really look forward to hearing others!!!

All best regards,
Jim

[Iain]

Hi Jim,

Few points I can add which may help explain the blade form. First, it's sharp on both sides. A bit odd for what is essentially a sabre. Second, the tip is also sharp, despite that fact that it's rounded.

The Chamba had cavalry (at least I've found reference to it) however like most Sahel armies the bulk would be foot soldiers. Shield and spear would have been the usual kit but I think a sword like this would fit perfectly for this style of warfare. In close, that little uptick would work rather well in a thrust from behind a shield. Alternatively due to the double edge the 'hook' could be quite effective in pulling a shield. Just a couple quick thoughts about how it may be there for a practical reason.

I've yet to see images of another Chamba sword (except for one other similar hilt but the overall view was not available). I was hoping someone else here would own one.

Best,

Iain

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I like the simple guard and handle/pommel too.

Me too!

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hello,

Enclosed please find photos of a similar sword which I bought i Maroua some time ago and I sow it also in Rhoumsiki on Cameroonian side of Nigeria - Cameroon borderland (Mandara). I already posted this sword before, now I am comming back as it has the same features. The blade is heavy, thick, 70 cm long and 5 cm wide. I like the crossguard

Regards,

Martin

[Martin Lubojacky]

photos

[Iain]

Cau Martin,

Thanks very much for posting this. I knew you had several pieces from the general area and this is pretty much an exact match for construction method, pommel and guard style. The thickness of these blades is rather surprising to me as the weight is significant. I imagine your sword must weigh over 1.5kg?

I would imagine your sword may also be from the Chamba - who split into several distinct groups, one of which moved into the Cameroon highlands and adopted many local customs. This is a rather good overview of the people and their influence on the area: http://www.bca-usa.org/bca/balinyonga.html

Does anyone know of attributed Chama shields or spears? I would like to get a sense of how the entire ensemble of a Chamba warrior would look like.

Best,

Iain

[Jim McDougall]

Absolutely fantastic Martin!!!! Thank you so much for coming in on this, and especially for sharing this clearly important and corroborative example of sword. I had feared that anyone else with interest or knowledge on African swords had 'left the building'!!! Then you arrive like the cavalry Yay!!!

Though I cannot claim any expertise on African weapons, I enjoy learning and these examples posted by Iain and you are intriguing anomalies which really add dimension to what has been learned on takoubas and the other swords of the regions.

All the best,
Jim

[Martin Lubojacky]

Thank you Jim and Yain. One my colleagues bought simmilar blade recently but without crossguard. The blade is old, but they made new (conntemporary) scabbard and braid of handle in Tebbu style, which does not fit, Nevertheless, the blade is interesting - I will find it and snap it.
Regards
Martin