African Swords actually used?

[Tim Simmons]

I think it is worth mentioning that a great many of the shiny chunky weapons from almost everywhere are really status or parade weapons. Just look very close and you will find that only a small percent show any real signs of use.

[Steven C.]

That bandja sword really looks like an Egyptian khopesh...

So is there any sites or topics or something that discuss how these swords were used? How effective they are? I just wanna learn bout these real war ones. That Salampasu sword impresses me.

Also is this one, (the only African sword I've ever really liked) used for war? And in what manner, is it a good chopper?

[Emanuel]

Nice Kuba knife Steven. I'm watching one on the bay and I hope to have it in my collection soon I had thought these had more of a ceremonial use, but then who says one couldn't actually cut and fight with them?
As for how effective they were, I think they were as good as any other type of blade. IIRC African martial arts do not include any recognizable form of "fencing", lacking any parrying. This and the lack of armour will make any sharp instrument deadly.

Originally Posted by Steven C.

That bandja sword really looks like an Egyptian khopesh...

Except that the khopesh had the edge on the convex side, whereas the bandja has it on the concave side. I've run into a number of publications that list the khopesh as a "sickle weapons" even though it isn't the case Check out this thread for more.

Regards,
Emanuel

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

These Ikulbapyaang from the Kuba were never used for war, they are just used for ceremony.

http://lulef.free.fr/html/kuba.html

Luc