Shi sword for comment

[Martin Lubojacky]

I am enclossing a few pictures of the sword I have acquired recently. I think it is not long, not short - the total length (in the sheath) is 78 cms, length of the blade is 59 cms. Interesting is that the blade is relatively wide - it is 4 cms wide at the base (I thought Shi swords were narrower). Thickness of the blade is 1.2 - 1.3 cm at the central rib. It is heavy and it could be used as a machete (again surprising for me).
The sheath is two-coloured and I would like to know, if this has any implication, or if the reason is purely aesthetical (till now I saw only one colour Shi sheaths).
Fur was wrapped around the sheath at its end and at its mouth. I removed it temporarily to check the state of the wood, but, very probably, I will not put it back, since the state of the fur is bad (it is losing hair). Does the fur has any deeper sence, or is it just decoration ? Any comment is warm welcome.
Regards,
Martin

[Sajen]

Hello Martin,

very nice Shi sword of good age. To sad that the fur is in bad state. I think that it is added for talismanic purpose. The two coloured scabbard is decorative IMVHO.

Regards,
Detlef

[Congoblades]

A two-coloured sheath is fairly common but usually the two-tone effect was obtained by metal wire.

[Tim Simmons]

There is something really I like about these and other swords from surrounding areas.

[Congoblades]

Shi sword and dagger from my collection.

[Sajen]

This one was once in my collection: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10967&highlight=shi-havu

[VANDOO]

A NICE SWORD :) THE FUR LOOKS LIKE RABBIT AND IF IT IS, IS NOT LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN SOMETHING HUNTED AND USED IN AFRICA. I DON'T KNOW IF WILD RABBITS OR HARE ARE IN AFRICA AT LEAST I NEVER SAW ANY. IT COULD BE SOMETHING ELSE AS THERE ARE PLENTY OF FURRY CRITTERS IN AFRICA BUT MOST I AM FAMILIAR WITH DON'T HAVE THE SOFT FEEL OF RABBIT FUR. IF ITS RABBIT PERHAPS THE SWORD WOULD BE BETTER IF IT IS NOT RE- ATTACHED DEPENDS ON HOW YOU LIKE IT BEST. :shrug:

[Congoblades]

Using fur on this type of sword is also not uncommon but used as belt or belt decoration. Probebly monkey fur.

[Martin Lubojacky]

Thank you all for the comments. There are wild rabbits in Africa - I would say they are common. The fur could be monkey, too ( I think there is more possibilities). Congoblades, thanks for nice pictures - I did not see such "superb" styles of the Shi swords till now. It ´s also nice o see the couple - dagger and sword in the same style. BTW, there are varieties (different handles etc.) - which other groups used this style sword (Tutsi ??) ?
Regards,
Martin

[Congoblades]

The one with fur and decorated scabbard should be Hutu - Tutsi.
These swords were worn to the rear of the head