Ethiopian scabbard: to fake or not to fake

roanoa · 24th July 2007, 11:30 PM

Hi Rick. I had seen this knife and I did not offer any comments because it would have been, then as it is now, sheer speculation. But since you ask... I agree that the hilt/handle looks Ethiopian. However, the blade and the scabbard are a question mark. Obviously, I have never seen anything like this. The shape of the blade close to the handle reminds me of the swords from the NGBANDI-POTO and AZANDE tribes. In addition I have never seen any Ethiopian scabbard with that kind of belt attached with rings. A close up of the scabbard decoration (if any) could offer some clues. All in all it is a very puzzling piece and all I can do is to scratch my head..... Sorry.

24th July 2007, 11:30 PM	#10
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 241	Hi Rick. I had seen this knife and I did not offer any comments because it would have been, then as it is now, sheer speculation. But since you ask... I agree that the hilt/handle looks Ethiopian. However, the blade and the scabbard are a question mark. Obviously, I have never seen anything like this. The shape of the blade close to the handle reminds me of the swords from the NGBANDI-POTO and AZANDE tribes. In addition I have never seen any Ethiopian scabbard with that kind of belt attached with rings. A close up of the scabbard decoration (if any) could offer some clues. All in all it is a very puzzling piece and all I can do is to scratch my head..... Sorry.