OROMO/GALLA Ethiopian swords
 

The Oromo/Galla make up a large portion of the Ethiopian population. Their weapons were in may instances different from those used in other parts of Ethiopia. Their shields, for instance, were much larger that those used by the Amhara and Tygrigna warriors. They also had a sword of a very peculiar shape. It has some similaries with the shotel and, like the shotel, was used with the tip of the blade pointing towards the enemy. Interestingly, since no European made blades came in this shape (many shotels did), the blades were all locally made. Wealthy Oromo/Galla had the hilt made of rhino horn with a silver capstan to set the apart from the "commoners". These swords, of which I have not been able to find the Oromo name (yet! Help, anyone?) are few and far apart. I have only seen a forth one with a much longer blade, but I missed out on it. Comments? Ron

Nice.. ;) ...I've never seen this type of sword before. Are they double edged? edged on the concave side (like a kukri) or on the outer edge?

Really nice. One could say that there looks as if the sickle knives of the Southern regions may be an influence here. Nice with scabbards :cool: .

I fear I shall be exposing my ignorance and far-flying imagination, but it looks like a cross between a classical Shotel and Mambeli.

Resembles one of these too. An Afari/Danikil dagger.

Ian.

You may have this book but for the benefit of those who have not. This map is from. Kipinga. throwing blades of central Africa, Marc L Felix. I have drawn a thick line showing the modern Ethiopian border. The book concentrates on central Africa as in the title but to take that as written on tablets of stone would be a bit silly. I can see no reason why some sickle knife influence is not in these knives. Its easy being an arm chair general :D but ideas are valid and it is best to thrash them out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...y/books207.jpg