[Jim McDougall]

Hi Gav,
Thank you for opening this thread on the flyssa, and for the interesting observation noting the similarity of curvature in some Celtic swords' blade profile to these mysterious North African sabres. Actually, I have heard this concept it seems, comparing the deep bellied profile of the flyssa to the half section of blades, but cannot recall the source at the moment. Most earlier discussions on flyssas have often suggested possible links to ancient Mediterranean swords, in particular the machaira, linked to the Celtibereans as well as to of course the classic kopis and falcata forms. While these influences seem compelling in degree, the main problem has been trying to establish any line of development chronologically between these ancient forms and any examples of proto-flyssa closer to this weapons relatively modern appearance.

It has been some time since we have had active discussions on the study of the flyssa here, so its great to have this thread to sort of compile what we know on these swords, and to evaluate and discuss that information as well as hopefully, any new data.

So here goes:

As noted, the flyssa seems to be a relative latecomer to traditional edged weapons, with one of the earliest known references being a letter to Ferdinand VII of Spain from his consul in Algeria in 1827. A French traveller named Carette several years later noted similar swords in trade from regions of Flica sur Mer. The term 'flyssa' derives from the French reference to the Iflissen Im Bahr tribe of Berbers in the Djurdjura range of the Little Atlas mountains in northeast Algeria, who are reputed to have been the 'Kabyles' who produced these distinct swords. The Kabyles are confederations of Berber tribes in these regions (Ar. gabail = the tribes).

An English encyclopedia in 1833 notes that the Kabyles, "...make guns, ploughs and many coarse utensils which they sell to the Arabs and Moors. They know how to temper steel and make sabres and knives of tolerable quality". While this reference confirms that the Kabyles did indeed have the ability to produce these weapons (actually of quite high quality despite the cyclopedia note), it also brings in an important reference to trade with the Moors.

In the epic work by Stone (pp.234-236), the flyssa is described as a Moroccan weapon. I had thought this apparant error might have been associated with the fact that the Kabyles were nominally Sunni Muslims of the Malakite Rite, whose center was in Morocco, and that contact may have diffused these to the west. The note on Moorish trade would further support these weapons possibly being found in Berber regions to the west. Altogether however the distinct flyssa form remains profoundly indiginous to the Kabyle regions.

With these observations it would seem that the flyssa, as a distinct edged weapon form (they range in size from smaller knives to very large swords), probably developed in Kabyle regions some time in the 18th century, and were actively established in production by the early 19th century. With the well known presence of the Ottomans long established across the Maghreb, we look to thier weapons as possibly influence for the flyssa.

In the reference "The Age of Suleyman the Magnificent"(1990, p.64, #50) a yataghan of the 16th century attributed to this Ottoman ruler is remarkable in the blade form, contrary to the yataghan blades of later times. It is heavy, a straight back and bellied, quite similar to the shape of the flyssa blade.
While it is known that the remote Kabyle tribes were never technically subdued by either Arab or Turk, in the more metropolitan areas, they were in effect relatively assimilated. According to references in the important work by Camille LaCoste-Dujardin ("Sabres Kabyles", Journal de la Societe des Africanistes, Tome XXVIII, 1958) it was an important rite of passage for young Kabyle men to leave thier villages to make thier fortunes, then return to be married. In this quest for fortune, one key factor was for the young man to obtain his sword. The profoundly present Ottoman yataghan was extremely highly regarded in this sense, and it would not seem surprising that the developing sword of these Berbers would derive from these much admired Turkish weapons, and of course likely of the earlier blade form. As the more distinct Berber sword developed, it seems to have virtually taken on a life of its own. The strange zoomorphic pommel is among the many instantly recognizable features of the flyssa, though it has not been determined exactly what creature is represented.

The straight, deep bellied blade, carrying the characteristic geometric markings and chiselled decoration has the also distinct feature of a needle point tip on most examples. The exact purpose or derivation of this feature also remains undetermined, but in my opinion it may have to do with this stated 'malle perce' (armour piercing) purpose seen on the Tatar sabres of Caucasian regions. The presence of mercenary troops among the Ottoman forces may account for this influence.

The earliest example of a flyssa I have found was in a French Foreign Legion museum in France, and attributed to combat acquisition in 1857. Its form and decoration distinctly as most examples seen in collections today. In her work, Ms. LaCoste-Dujardin notes that around the 1850's the quality of these weapons was in decadence, and as the weapon itself became obsolete, with a clearly brief period of use, production for the developing trade in tourism became prevalent.

This is collectively transcribed from my notes at hand from much of the research done a number of years ago, and I hope will serve as a benchmark for further discussion and opinions on the observations I have included.

All best regards,
Jim