Chamba short sword for comment

[Iain]

I was lucky enough to acquire this rather old Chamba short sword recently. Collected by an Austrian couple in the 1980s who traveled extensively in the Benue river area. The piece is iron, very well made and quite sturdy. My interest in it stems from ongoing research into takouba like forms and this piece exhibits an interesting pommel form quite similar to older takouba.

The construction of this piece is, besides the guard, one solid piece. While rather short, it is very comfortable to hold in hand and has a nice edge.

Overall length is 50cm or around 20 inches.

Remnants of cloth are stuck under the guard and at the base of the pommel - I assume from the original hilt wrapping.

I really like this piece, and despite the small size it is a formidable little sword which would be very effective in combination with a shield I think. I've seen a auction record from a similar piece which came out of the same collection that was about 8cm longer, sadly I was not aware of it last time it was up for sale and have not been able to find out who the current owner is to obtain more information and pictures. Unless it's someone here?

Anyways, photos of my piece attached below. All comments, thoughts, period photos of Chamba (are there any out there?) appreciated.

[Tim Simmons]

I like the simple guard and handle/pommel too.

[Iain]

Thanks Tim, I also appreciate the practical nature of this weapon. To perhaps stimulate a little more discussion, I'm attaching another photo illustrating better the size of the hilt. I have reasonably large hands but it is still a reasonable fit.

The shape of the pommel, due to the rounded and tapered base, works quite well in the palm. I've found this with takouba as well and it seems quite intentional.

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Iain,
Thank you for the photo of this fascinating sword in the hand, that indeed adds great perspective. So often seeing weapons illustrated without context gives distorted views of thier actual size.

The blade on this is most interesting with its median ridge, and that it is essentially a sabre type blade with a curious uptick at the point. While I cannot offer a great deal of direct suggestion as to possible associations at this point, I have seen a similar presence of this feature elsewhere. In studying the 'uptick' on the blade of espada anchas in Spanish colonial setting I was once told this was for thrust and upward cut. While certainly these espadas are outside the sphere with reference to this Chamba weapon, it is notable that the Spanish influences from Moroccan regions certainly were carried to Spains America's.

Looking into earlier history in North Africa, it has long been established that weapons and influences were deeply ingrained in long standing native traditions from these times. Looking at the downturned quillons on the crossguard one cannot discount recalling this feature on the Jineta or Hispano-Moresque swords of medieval times. Returning to the uptick on the blade, certainly not a feature from this context where broadswords were used, it seems I have seen it on examples of Moroccan/Algerian sa'if (often termed nim'cha).

Although these are essentially Moroccan influences I am citing, the well established trade routes moving southward into these regions would have easily been present in Chamba regions just as these networks were ever present throughout North Africa. As always, admittedly free association only without further corroborating evidence with other examples, we can always hope to find other clues supporting or disputing these suggestions.

These are my thoughts prompted by this definitely thought provoking anomaly, and I really look forward to hearing others!!!

All best regards,
Jim

[Iain]

Hi Jim,

Few points I can add which may help explain the blade form. First, it's sharp on both sides. A bit odd for what is essentially a sabre. Second, the tip is also sharp, despite that fact that it's rounded.

The Chamba had cavalry (at least I've found reference to it) however like most Sahel armies the bulk would be foot soldiers. Shield and spear would have been the usual kit but I think a sword like this would fit perfectly for this style of warfare. In close, that little uptick would work rather well in a thrust from behind a shield. Alternatively due to the double edge the 'hook' could be quite effective in pulling a shield. Just a couple quick thoughts about how it may be there for a practical reason.

I've yet to see images of another Chamba sword (except for one other similar hilt but the overall view was not available). I was hoping someone else here would own one.

Best,

Iain

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I like the simple guard and handle/pommel too.

Me too!

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hello,

Enclosed please find photos of a similar sword which I bought i Maroua some time ago and I sow it also in Rhoumsiki on Cameroonian side of Nigeria - Cameroon borderland (Mandara). I already posted this sword before, now I am comming back as it has the same features. The blade is heavy, thick, 70 cm long and 5 cm wide. I like the crossguard

Regards,

Martin

[Martin Lubojacky]

photos

[Iain]

Cau Martin,

Thanks very much for posting this. I knew you had several pieces from the general area and this is pretty much an exact match for construction method, pommel and guard style. The thickness of these blades is rather surprising to me as the weight is significant. I imagine your sword must weigh over 1.5kg?

I would imagine your sword may also be from the Chamba - who split into several distinct groups, one of which moved into the Cameroon highlands and adopted many local customs. This is a rather good overview of the people and their influence on the area: http://www.bca-usa.org/bca/balinyonga.html

Does anyone know of attributed Chama shields or spears? I would like to get a sense of how the entire ensemble of a Chamba warrior would look like.

Best,

Iain