African small sword id request

[Kubur]

From Tchad or somewhere around and I would say tourist...
Best, Kubur

[Tim Simmons]

This is a traditional weapon just happens to be new.

[Jim McDougall]

Roland, thank you for posting this, and for your interest in pursuing more on the nature and origins of this unusual item. I believe it is a traditional item perhaps used in ceremonial events and while clearly quite modern, reflecting the styling long standing.
It seems to have character of items from Manding culture but these were diffused widely into adjoining regions and tribal groups.

These kinds of items (often tempting to think of in the sense of European sword canes) may be vestigial forms of earlier pieces which were actually bladed. It seems inherent in many, if not even most, unusual African arms and armour, that many of these were rather iconic and symbolic and used in the extremely important events and activities of these tribal peoples.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

This is interesting since it appears to be related to African Sticks...
Is it more a stick than a sword? Could it be related to the style of weapon seen at https://barbadosunderground.wordpres...stick-licking/ which came to Barbados and the Carribbean region from the Congo...?

I looked at a close cousin of sticks..The whip like Sjambok but the project example here seems to be more stick or sword orientated. Looking up African Sword Sticks now...and I follow the detail stated by Jim as to the ceremonial aspect of sticks Knob Kerries and all...in the Manding and related tribal groups...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Roland_M]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

This is interesting since it appears to be related to African Sticks...
Is it more a stick than a sword? Could it be related to the style of weapon seen at https://barbadosunderground.wordpres...stick-licking/ which came to Barbados and the Carribbean region from the Congo...?

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Hello All,

thanks for all the answers. I'm no expert for African swords. I think, it is either a weapon or a ritual sword. It is too good for a simple tourist piece. I would expect a simple wooden hilt on a tourist souvenir. Maybe the blade itself is older than the rest of the sword.

I would compare it with an european estoc sword, the estoc also can have a rectangular cross section with unsharp cutting edges but a long and needle sharp point.

All i can say is, that it has a very good balance and an impressive thrusting power like a rapier but without the typical flexibility. The cutting edges are not really sharp but strong enough to break bones. The blade is hardened.

It is definitely no walking stick, it is too heavy and the lower end of the scabbard is too sharp for that purpose.

I do not fully understand the term "iron stick". In my opinion an iron stick with a sharp and long point is a sword or a sword like object.


Best wishes, Roland

[Tim Simmons]

There are many forms of stiletto type daggers in West African. I post these examples years ago. Also one very similar to the one in question I feel sure I post it on the forum but cannot find it.