Somali short sword

colin henshaw · 15th August 2012, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Colin Henshaw~ Monumental hilts like these are indeed interesting and I wonder if they mirror some architectural theme? Great photos which help to bring these weapons back to life....
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Hi Ibrahiim

Apologies for the late response. Good point about the architectural theme, perhaps this is the design inspiration. Searching on the internet - it seems that Somalia and Somaliland in historic times were renowned for their distinctive architecture.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 16th August 2012, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Hi Ibrahiim

Apologies for the late response. Good point about the architectural theme, perhaps this is the design inspiration. Searching on the internet - it seems that Somalia and Somaliland in historic times were renowned for their distinctive architecture.

Salaams Colin Henshaw ~There are many examples on the web such as at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:So...ndow-frame.jpg showing a monumentally carved window and I'm sure there are more ...
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 16th August 2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Hi Ibrahiim

Apologies for the late response. Good point about the architectural theme, perhaps this is the design inspiration. Searching on the internet - it seems that Somalia and Somaliland in historic times were renowned for their distinctive architecture.

Salaams Colin Henshaw ~There are many examples on the web such as at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:So...ndow-frame.jpg showing a monumentally carved window and I'm sure there are more ... I also noted a particularly interesting web letter on the subject of Somalia etymology http://www.mbali.info/doc450.htm which is worth a read.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Kirk · 19th August 2012, 05:23 AM

A truly beautiful piece. What are its dimensions?

colin henshaw · 20th August 2012, 02:26 PM

Glad you like the piece. Length of the sword without the sheath is 60cm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk

A truly beautiful piece. What are its dimensions?

T. Koch · 20th August 2012, 03:20 PM

Hi Colin and congratulations on your beautiful score! It's a really nice piece I think and I like bilaos in general. The symmetry in combination with the design of the massive pommels really speak to me. I've seen some particularly delicious ones too, where the pommels were carved from huge chunks of elephant ivory!

Thanks so much for sharing your joy!

All the best, - Thor

colin henshaw · 24th August 2012, 05:17 PM

Hi Thor

Thanks, glad you like the sword. Somali weapons, and other objects, seem to be a bit of a minority interest, unlike other historical weapons from the general area. As you say, the sword and knife pommels are particularly impressive and works of art really.

Do you have any examples of these you can post images of ?

Regards,
Colin

QUOTE=T. Koch]Hi Colin and congratulations on your beautiful score! It's a really nice piece I think and I like bilaos in general. The symmetry in combination with the design of the massive pommels really speak to me. I've seen some particularly delicious ones too, where the pommels were carved from huge chunks of elephant ivory!

Thanks so much for sharing your joy!

All the best, - Thor[/QUOTE]

colin henshaw · 20th August 2012, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Colin Henshaw ~There are many examples on the web such as at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:So...ndow-frame.jpg showing a monumentally carved window and I'm sure there are more ... I also noted a particularly interesting web letter on the subject of Somalia etymology http://www.mbali.info/doc450.htm which is worth a read.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Hi Ibrahiim

Many thanks for the interesting links.

Do you have any thoughts on the distinctive patchy rusting to be found on Somali/Somaliland iron weapons ?

Regards.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 21st August 2012, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Hi Ibrahiim

Many thanks for the interesting links.

Do you have any thoughts on the distinctive patchy rusting to be found on Somali/Somaliland iron weapons ?

Regards.

Salaams Colin ~ I cant help thinking that it is because of the relatively rudimentary forging process .. perhaps combined with the wet and humid conditions.. These rust spots do seem to be uniform and common in their armouries.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

19th August 2012, 05:23 AM	#4
Kirk Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Brooklyn, N.Y. Posts: 11	A truly beautiful piece. What are its dimensions?

20th August 2012, 03:20 PM	#6
T. Koch Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mother North Posts: 189	Hi Colin and congratulations on your beautiful score! It's a really nice piece I think and I like bilaos in general. The symmetry in combination with the design of the massive pommels really speak to me. I've seen some particularly delicious ones too, where the pommels were carved from huge chunks of elephant ivory! Thanks so much for sharing your joy! All the best, - Thor

24th August 2012, 05:17 PM	#7
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Hi Thor Thanks, glad you like the sword. Somali weapons, and other objects, seem to be a bit of a minority interest, unlike other historical weapons from the general area. As you say, the sword and knife pommels are particularly impressive and works of art really. Do you have any examples of these you can post images of ? Regards, Colin QUOTE=T. Koch]Hi Colin and congratulations on your beautiful score! It's a really nice piece I think and I like bilaos in general. The symmetry in combination with the design of the massive pommels really speak to me. I've seen some particularly delicious ones too, where the pommels were carved from huge chunks of elephant ivory! Thanks so much for sharing your joy! All the best, - Thor[/QUOTE]