Zanzibar Sword

[Kubur]

PFFFFFFF very beautiful I'm jealous!

[ariel]

Agree with kahnjar1: not Zanzibari.
Moroccan and NE African jiboula or s'boula.

For some reasons often attributed to Ethiopian Jews, Falashas.

This one is extra nice.

[Sajen]

Hi Roland,

like said before, a real beauty. And so I was not wrong when I told you that I see similarty to the Algerian shula hilts with the inlaid brass wire, see the attached picture taken from an old thread.

Regards,
Detlef

[Marcus]

Originally Posted by ariel

Agree with kahnjar1: not Zanzibari.
Moroccan and NE African jiboula or s'boula.

For some reasons often attributed to Ethiopian Jews, Falashas.

This concept is stated in Islamic Weapons, Maghrib to Moghul. by Anthony Tirri. Not sure where he got it from.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Marcus

This concept is stated in Islamic Weapons, Maghrib to Moghul. by Anthony Tirri. Not sure where he got it from.

I did quite a bit of research during preparation for a paper I wrote in 2004 which was actually on these swords. My study on them actually began when I acquired one some years prior, and was actually informed on the s'boula connection by Dominique Buttin, great grandson of Charles. I confirmed the origin of the Burton reference from Demmin (1877) when I located an original copy and saw the exact attribution to Zanzibar there along with the Oman broadsword had been lifted by Burton (1885) .

The entire 'faux pas' of the Demmin/Burton references to 'Zanzibar' on these swords was foot noted by Charles Buttin (1933) as he described they were actually s/boula from Morocco as illustrated in his catalog. This was further shown in his article on Moroccan weapons in 'Hesperis' in 1939 .

As I referenced in my paper, Charles Buttin was well acquainted with the arms of Morocco with many years of residence there giving him ample opportunity for his field research on their weapons.

I found the 'Ethiopian' connection in an obscure pamphlet on African weapons by Lindert (1967) which showed these 'Zanzibar' type swords among their arms. I cannot recall offhand whether the Falasha's were mentioned there, but that was included in my paper from research some time prior to 2004.

I do not recall if Tirri noted the Falasha's in his book, but based his Ethiopian attribution on examples with Amharic script on the blades. As I had described in my research, their presence there was certainly understandable with trade networks from the west and south interconnected in these regions.

What was most important about this particular case study in arms classification was understanding the necessity of always cross checking references set forth in early arms writings, despite their veneration and stature. We find errors in degree in so many of these works, and though with the highest respect maintained for the authors, we continue the research to resolve these and thereby adjusting our knowledge on these arms.

[Roland_M]

Thanks for all the comments, they are very informative for me.

I found the term "Zanzibar Sword" after a while during my Internet research. This type was totally unknown for me. I think I can see influences of different regions.

Now I feel much better informed, thanks again.

Here is a picture of the marks on the blade. It could be a talismanic inscription or something in that direction. I count 31 dots and 8 crosses on one side and 34 dots and 10 crosses on the backside.


Roland

[Kubur]

This link will help you
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=nimcha
bon appetit

[Jim McDougall]

Regarding this linear motif, as well noted by Kubur in the link he attached, it is not uncommon to see various marks, symbols and lettering fashioned into design or decoration as seems the case here.

It is always tempting to seek talismanic imbuement in these kinds of displays and in some cases they are, but as often they are simply aesthetically intended suggestions from authentic ones.

Still, this sword is one of the more attractive examples I have seen.