East Africa Billao

[G. Mansfield]

The first is what may be considered a Tooray Dagger from (Somaliland) Ethiopia, Somalia. It has an asymmetrical Billao style iron blade, appearing better than usual quality with a raised central ridge which I don't see too often on these suggesting it may have some age to it, possibly reworked from recycled metal.

Description:
Assumed age: C.1900-1940
Brass, Bone and horn hilt
Overall Length: 11 ¼” (28.5cm)
Blade Length: 6 ¼” (16cm)

References:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18201&highlight=billao
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1031&highlight=billao+dagger
https://www.forgottenweapons.com/vintage-saturday-4/

The second is the common Ivory hilted with single silver pommel cap. Interesting enough, it seemed to be in the hands of one of the formites here (Nagawarrior) at one point, originating from Oriental Arms.

Description:
Age: Late 19th Century
Elephant Ivory, Brass, Horn, Silver, Decorated Hide Sheath
Overall Length W/ Sheath: 15 ¾” (40cm)
Hilt & Blade Length: 15 ¼” (38.5cm)
Blade Length: 8 5/8” (22cm)

References:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3251&highlight=bilao
http://oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=531

-Geoff

[colin henshaw]

Thanks for posting this. I've always had difficulty in pining down exactly from where this genre of edged weapons originate (daggers and spears). Can you recommend any literature that can help in identification etc ?

[G. Mansfield]

Colin, unfortunately I do not have any literature on it. All my information was sourced from online references.

Regards,
-Geoff

[G. Mansfield]

Just acquired this large billao bearing an ivory and silver hilt with the maker's or owners name of Ali Bahi Abdhal Mai Samaiyu, translated by the seller, on the reverse side. Unusual decoration and personalization that is not normally seen. I suspect that this is an early 20th century example created for an individual of high status. Compared next to other examples in the collection for size comparison.

Description:
Age: Early 20th century
Material: Ivory, Silver, Decorated Hide Sheath
Hilt & Blade Length: 19” (48.3cm)
Blade Length: 10 1/2” (26.7cm)

Any comments, thoughts, or information welcome.
Best,
-Geoff

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams G Mansfield, I like these geometric hilts ... they have a sword with the same idea...https://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Billao said;

Quote"A billao (Somali: billaawe), also known as a belawa, is a horn-hilted Somali shortsword. It served most notably as a close-quarters weapon in the Dervish State, at the turn of the 20th century.

Features
The dagger has a double-edged, leaf-shaped, asymmetrical blade and a three-pronged pommel. One-pronged pommels with the metal tang protruding out from the center of the hilt have been reported. Together, the grip and pommel are 6¾" in circumference. The billao's blade is made of iron or steel, and is 10½" long and 2½" wide. Though other horn types are also used, the handle is typically made from the horn of buffalo. In total, the dagger is 17¼" long. The sheath is made of sheepskin, and the sword is worn on a belt around the waist." Unquote.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

A few more examples ~