Afar gile

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Marc M.

Hi Jim

I have a book about Ethiopian objects where the gile is mentioned.
The knife's name is called gile hite and the scabbard kormali, also the scabbard end was passed on from father to son and was different in design from family to family.

regards
Marc

Thats excellent Marc, it seems of course the weapon form and its decoration are established, so finding some references on the tribal particulars of the Afar and the contiguous tribes will likely say more on traditions and protocols.
The notes on the designs on the scabbard chape are consistent with these traditions in many tribal groups.
I'm sure you have "African Arms & Armor" by Christopher Spring. In it he has great observations, notes and bibliography.