OROMO/GALLA Ethiopian swords

roanoa · 30th September 2006, 01:50 AM

The Oromo/Galla make up a large portion of the Ethiopian population. Their weapons were in may instances different from those used in other parts of Ethiopia. Their shields, for instance, were much larger that those used by the Amhara and Tygrigna warriors. They also had a sword of a very peculiar shape. It has some similaries with the shotel and, like the shotel, was used with the tip of the blade pointing towards the enemy. Interestingly, since no European made blades came in this shape (many shotels did), the blades were all locally made. Wealthy Oromo/Galla had the hilt made of rhino horn with a silver capstan to set the apart from the "commoners". These swords, of which I have not been able to find the Oromo name (yet! Help, anyone?) are few and far apart. I have only seen a forth one with a much longer blade, but I missed out on it. Comments? Ron

katana · 30th September 2006, 01:33 PM

Nice..

...I've never seen this type of sword before. Are they double edged? edged on the concave side (like a kukri) or on the outer edge?

Tim Simmons · 30th September 2006, 02:25 PM

Really nice. One could say that there looks as if the sickle knives of the Southern regions may be an influence here. Nice with scabbards

.

ariel · 30th September 2006, 04:03 PM

I fear I shall be exposing my ignorance and far-flying imagination, but it looks like a cross between a classical Shotel and Mambeli.

Ian · 30th September 2006, 06:31 PM

Resembles one of these too. An Afari/Danikil dagger.

Ian.

Tim Simmons · 30th September 2006, 08:44 PM

You may have this book but for the benefit of those who have not. This map is from. Kipinga. throwing blades of central Africa, Marc L Felix. I have drawn a thick line showing the modern Ethiopian border. The book concentrates on central Africa as in the title but to take that as written on tablets of stone would be a bit silly. I can see no reason why some sickle knife influence is not in these knives. Its easy being an arm chair general

but ideas are valid and it is best to thrash them out.

30th September 2006, 01:50 AM	#1
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 237	OROMO/GALLA Ethiopian swords The Oromo/Galla make up a large portion of the Ethiopian population. Their weapons were in may instances different from those used in other parts of Ethiopia. Their shields, for instance, were much larger that those used by the Amhara and Tygrigna warriors. They also had a sword of a very peculiar shape. It has some similaries with the shotel and, like the shotel, was used with the tip of the blade pointing towards the enemy. Interestingly, since no European made blades came in this shape (many shotels did), the blades were all locally made. Wealthy Oromo/Galla had the hilt made of rhino horn with a silver capstan to set the apart from the "commoners". These swords, of which I have not been able to find the Oromo name (yet! Help, anyone?) are few and far apart. I have only seen a forth one with a much longer blade, but I missed out on it. Comments? Ron Attached Images

30th September 2006, 01:33 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Nice.. ...I've never seen this type of sword before. Are they double edged? edged on the concave side (like a kukri) or on the outer edge?

30th September 2006, 02:25 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Really nice. One could say that there looks as if the sickle knives of the Southern regions may be an influence here. Nice with scabbards .

30th September 2006, 04:03 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I fear I shall be exposing my ignorance and far-flying imagination, but it looks like a cross between a classical Shotel and Mambeli.

30th September 2006, 06:31 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,204	Resembles one of these too. An Afari/Danikil dagger. Ian.

30th September 2006, 08:44 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	You may have this book but for the benefit of those who have not. This map is from. Kipinga. throwing blades of central Africa, Marc L Felix. I have drawn a thick line showing the modern Ethiopian border. The book concentrates on central Africa as in the title but to take that as written on tablets of stone would be a bit silly. I can see no reason why some sickle knife influence is not in these knives. Its easy being an arm chair general but ideas are valid and it is best to thrash them out.