African Short Sword for ID Somali???

Yvain · 28th May 2021, 12:00 PM

As Kubur, rightfully said, it is indeed most likely from Somalia and exhibits some similarities with the billao sword. However, the blade seems less assymetrical, and the hilt (especially the pommel) is very different. The construction of the hilt somewhat reminds me of the "tooray" dagger, maybe they are related and this is a local take on the billao?

Kubur · 29th May 2021, 06:47 AM

I agree it is the illegitimate child of a billao and a toora/dagger. So for sure from Somalia and because it is a short sword, it can be called a billao.

28th May 2021, 12:00 PM	#1
Yvain Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: France Posts: 176	As Kubur, rightfully said, it is indeed most likely from Somalia and exhibits some similarities with the billao sword. However, the blade seems less assymetrical, and the hilt (especially the pommel) is very different. The construction of the hilt somewhat reminds me of the "tooray" dagger, maybe they are related and this is a local take on the billao?

29th May 2021, 06:47 AM	#2
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	I agree it is the illegitimate child of a billao and a toora/dagger. So for sure from Somalia and because it is a short sword, it can be called a billao.