African knife/short sword - ID?

Iain · 24th September 2012, 09:49 PM

Not mine I'm afraid as I got sniped on the auction. Still I thought I'd post it up here as I have no clue what it is! Apparently in a Danish collection since the 1920s so at least that old... West African of some sort I would guess? 70cm or 27.5 inches overall according to the description...

Tim Simmons · 24th September 2012, 10:49 PM

This is West African. Elements like the guard are similar to these.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...3&page=2&pp=30

Iain · 24th September 2012, 11:44 PM

Thanks Tim, it caught my eye because I hadn't recalled seeing anything with such a thick wide blade. The examples you linked to are certainly more elegant!

Jim McDougall · 25th September 2012, 12:28 AM

This is a Dahomean 'hwi' as described in "African Arms and Armour" (Spring) and from "Sabres Decores du Dahomey" by Palau Marti (Objets et Mondes, 1967, plate attached).
I have one like this but with brass hilt, the blade about same length but with stepped (yelman) and I believe a nagan type wavy motif inscribed. It seems like the research led to probably Vodun or similar West African folk religion with python worship. The item was virtually identical to an example in a Belgium museum (collected by French officer in Dahomey I believe c.1860s). These large knife/swords were worn in degree it seems, by the intriguing units of 'Amazons', the female warriors of the king.
There seems to be a range of variations in these Dahomean and West African edged weapons, with the plate from Marti showing a few.

The blade on this one looks pretty much earlier 19th century vintage but the hilt seems replacement Interesting that the dentated semicircle linear motif resembles the sickle marks paired on trade blades prevalent in trade spheres.

colin henshaw · 25th September 2012, 08:51 AM

I agree with Tim - West African - probably Dahomey/Yoruba. An interesting piece.

Kipinga50 · 25th September 2012, 11:29 AM

Yes, this sword is attributed to people Fon of Dahomey, its shape is typical of this ethnic group.

Iain · 25th September 2012, 02:33 PM

Thanks everyone - had I known a little more about it I might have bid more! The range of shape and styles these seem to come in is fascinating.

24th September 2012, 09:49 PM	#1
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	African knife/short sword - ID? Not mine I'm afraid as I got sniped on the auction. Still I thought I'd post it up here as I have no clue what it is! Apparently in a Danish collection since the 1920s so at least that old... West African of some sort I would guess? 70cm or 27.5 inches overall according to the description... Attached Images

25th September 2012, 12:28 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,957	This is a Dahomean 'hwi' as described in "African Arms and Armour" (Spring) and from "Sabres Decores du Dahomey" by Palau Marti (Objets et Mondes, 1967, plate attached). I have one like this but with brass hilt, the blade about same length but with stepped (yelman) and I believe a nagan type wavy motif inscribed. It seems like the research led to probably Vodun or similar West African folk religion with python worship. The item was virtually identical to an example in a Belgium museum (collected by French officer in Dahomey I believe c.1860s). These large knife/swords were worn in degree it seems, by the intriguing units of 'Amazons', the female warriors of the king. There seems to be a range of variations in these Dahomean and West African edged weapons, with the plate from Marti showing a few. The blade on this one looks pretty much earlier 19th century vintage but the hilt seems replacement Interesting that the dentated semicircle linear motif resembles the sickle marks paired on trade blades prevalent in trade spheres. Attached Images

24th September 2012, 10:49 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	This is West African. Elements like the guard are similar to these. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...3&page=2&pp=30

24th September 2012, 11:44 PM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	Thanks Tim, it caught my eye because I hadn't recalled seeing anything with such a thick wide blade. The examples you linked to are certainly more elegant!

25th September 2012, 08:51 AM	#5
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	I agree with Tim - West African - probably Dahomey/Yoruba. An interesting piece.

25th September 2012, 11:29 AM	#6
Kipinga50 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Sao Vicente Posts: 28	Yes, this sword is attributed to people Fon of Dahomey, its shape is typical of this ethnic group.

25th September 2012, 02:33 PM	#7
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	Thanks everyone - had I known a little more about it I might have bid more! The range of shape and styles these seem to come in is fascinating.