[roanoa]

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