Somali short sword

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Hi

We don't see so many Somali weapons, but I find them quite interesting. Here is one I found recently - the handle is very finely made with alternate layers of horn and zinc ? Great shape.

Anyone else like these ? Comments welcome as always.

Salaams Colin~ I find it interesting that the pommel is this peculiar crown shape rather like the top of the hilt shown at Buttins famous work at #26 (sketch 1009) on http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=nimcha and similar crowns on # 11 and #16.
Salaams,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[colin henshaw]

Hi Ibrahiim

Thanks for the link - yes, interesting similarity - I wonder if this is a regional style at work, with an architectural connection ? Is such a form of pommel to be found on any Omani weapon ?

Regarding the patchy rusting to be found on Somali weapons, could it be due in some measure to the iron ore to be found locally ? (assuming imported iron was not used). I've also seen that regularly spaced, deep patchy pitting on some kaskara blades...

Regards
Colin

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Colin~ I find it interesting that the pommel is this peculiar crown shape rather like the top of the hilt shown at Buttins famous work at #26 (sketch 1009) on http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=nimcha and similar crowns on # 11 and #16.
Salaams,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Hi Ibrahiim

Thanks for the link - yes, interesting similarity - I wonder if this is a regional style at work, with an architectural connection ? Is such a form of pommel to be found on any Omani weapon ?

Regarding the patchy rusting to be found on Somali weapons, could it be due in some measure to the iron ore to be found locally ? (assuming imported iron was not used). I've also seen that regularly spaced, deep patchy pitting on some kaskara blades...

Regards
Colin

Salaams Colin~ No I have never seen a pommel like it on any Omani sword or Khanjar ... except on the Nimcha variant at Buttin. I would like to cross reference your thread with the discussion on Nimcha...I hope thats ok.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.