Ethiopian/Sudanese knife

roanoa · 28th March 2018, 05:21 PM

Just picked this one up. It is a massive knife that I cannot quite place. The blade and decoration are Ethiopian, but the grip with the round pommel is, I think, of Sudanese influence. The silver scabbard is from an Ethiopian sword (shotel, most likely) with traditional naïf design. Very appealing in its crudeness. And so is the Lion on the blade. Any ideas about its provenance. Martin, help?

G. Mansfield · 28th March 2018, 07:18 PM

Hello Roanoa,

Interesting hybrid piece you have there. I agree with your assumption here with originating somewhere between the borders of Sudan/Ethiopia. The hilt shape is Sudanese while the decorated metal bands are inconsistent with average examples. Also there ,it seems to lack of the pommel cap from the pictures but not all have them. Ethiopian blade and sheath with the Lion of Judah and cross scepter as seen on the flag of Ethiopia 1887-1974. My guess is this piece dates to around the later part of the first quarter 20th.

-Geoff

roanoa · 28th March 2018, 08:14 PM

My mistake... Forgot one picture. Cheers, RON

Battara · 28th March 2018, 08:49 PM

Nice piece. Never seen this type before. Thanks for posting this.

28th March 2018, 05:21 PM	#1
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 235	Ethiopian/Sudanese knife Just picked this one up. It is a massive knife that I cannot quite place. The blade and decoration are Ethiopian, but the grip with the round pommel is, I think, of Sudanese influence. The silver scabbard is from an Ethiopian sword (shotel, most likely) with traditional naïf design. Very appealing in its crudeness. And so is the Lion on the blade. Any ideas about its provenance. Martin, help? Attached Images Last edited by roanoa; 28th March 2018 at 06:00 PM.

28th March 2018, 08:14 PM	#3
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 235	My mistake... Forgot one picture. Cheers, RON Attached Images

28th March 2018, 07:18 PM	#2
G. Mansfield Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Posts: 83	Hello Roanoa, Interesting hybrid piece you have there. I agree with your assumption here with originating somewhere between the borders of Sudan/Ethiopia. The hilt shape is Sudanese while the decorated metal bands are inconsistent with average examples. Also there ,it seems to lack of the pommel cap from the pictures but not all have them. Ethiopian blade and sheath with the Lion of Judah and cross scepter as seen on the flag of Ethiopia 1887-1974. My guess is this piece dates to around the later part of the first quarter 20th. -Geoff

28th March 2018, 08:49 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,225	Nice piece. Never seen this type before. Thanks for posting this.