Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 7th April 2009, 04:34 PM

I think the Abyssinian or Ethiopian shotel hilts are more of a singular stylized 'H' figure, despite the fact that I believe sometimes they are composite.
While the Ethiopian suggestion seems possible joined with the fact that the British furnished that country with blades in the latter 19th century well into the 20th, I still believe these are West African hilts. These rondel placed beveled discs on these guards are typical of many I have seen from these regions.
When considering the ever present diffusion of material culture, weapons, etc. in Africa via the constant flux of trade routes, nomadic cultures and tribal interaction.....of course anything is possible

Basically I am simply noting that the preponderence of examples I have seen of these hilts are in West African regions.

7th April 2009, 04:34 PM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	I think the Abyssinian or Ethiopian shotel hilts are more of a singular stylized 'H' figure, despite the fact that I believe sometimes they are composite. While the Ethiopian suggestion seems possible joined with the fact that the British furnished that country with blades in the latter 19th century well into the 20th, I still believe these are West African hilts. These rondel placed beveled discs on these guards are typical of many I have seen from these regions. When considering the ever present diffusion of material culture, weapons, etc. in Africa via the constant flux of trade routes, nomadic cultures and tribal interaction.....of course anything is possible Basically I am simply noting that the preponderence of examples I have seen of these hilts are in West African regions.