So called Afar dagers/knives
 

But are the really Afar ? Both the sword and daggers are comming from, or better said were bought in Ethiopia. Their assignation is comming from local trades and is not

....and I think is not verified: Any opinion is warm welcome.
No 1 is so called "jelly". It is big sword, the length is 95 cms, the blade is nice, heavy. Handle is made of nice hard wood.
No 2 (bought in Abuja) and 3 (bought in Djibouti, 63 cms long) are very slender, the pommel is made of wood (in one piece with handle) - not of brass. I was told they were Issa or Darod (i.e. Somali sub-clans).
No 4 and 5 - both comming from Fentale Hot Springs (within Awash National Parc) - they should be Kereyu (i. e. Oromo sub-clan).
No 6 - allegedly real Afar (finaly...)
No 7 - allegedly again real (chief) Afar ?
No 8 - this is very nice and must be very effective and dangerous weapon, it is hefty, with the blade thick and (up to) 7 cms broad. But again - is it Afar - I was told Oromo...
Regards,
Martin

Another photos

The length of No 3 is 71 (not 63) cms

Hello Martin,

Sorry, can't help you out on the tribe(s).
But what a nice collection.
No. 8 is great. Is the hilt rhino ?

Best regards,
Willem

Excelent collection Martin! only ever had 2 of these in last 15 years....


O yes 100% for sure even from photo....

Rhino all the way.

Spiral

Thank you. I am afraid it is Rhino - they used to equip this kind of big daggers or better heavy short sabres with such hilts...But I think these still are not representing all versions of knives and cold weapons from Ogaden, Danakil Depression and bordering areas. Was this typology subject of some discourse/book ?

I've read about some of these type of knives being collected by Wilfred Thesiger, described as being Afar (Danakil). But as is often the case in Africa the form probably spreads to neighbouring areas/tribes.

Obviously, there are multiple variations, but do they represent stable ethnic/geographic patterns or just random results of manufacturer's techniques and buyer's wishes? If the former, - typological study is in order, if the latter, - they are just one happy chaotic family.

I inclined to believe there was both tribal (sub-tribal) and even holder´s position classification of this weapons

Don't think I've ever seen so many good examples together Martin. That must have taken some effort to acomplish, well done.

Best
Gene

Indeed, Number 7 awakens lust and envy in my heart . ;) :)

The blanket is very nice.

Here's a warrior with a similar dagger/sword.