Some Sahel weapons

Iain · 22nd December 2011, 11:40 AM

Hi Colin,

Thanks for the extra images. Yes, in general I believe these pommels are much older, or at least reflect and earlier style. The other point of age on your piece is that the leather is stitched, newer hilts tend to have glued leather.

Agreed that this is 100% a native blade. Looking at the point, it does look reshaped to me now. Seems to be a pretty aggressive edge on the tip which doesn't match the rest of the blade? Or maybe the angle is confusing me. Perhaps done to fit the scabbard? But as you say, looks like it was done a while ago.

The curve on the scabbard is perhaps due to shrinkage? I don't recall seeing anything similar, although the style of the leather work is consistent with a lot of ethnic groups in the Sahel.

The pommel I think is the standout feature of this sword, much harder to find swords like this than the flat or stacked pommels.

22nd December 2011, 11:40 AM	#6
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Hi Colin, Thanks for the extra images. Yes, in general I believe these pommels are much older, or at least reflect and earlier style. The other point of age on your piece is that the leather is stitched, newer hilts tend to have glued leather. Agreed that this is 100% a native blade. Looking at the point, it does look reshaped to me now. Seems to be a pretty aggressive edge on the tip which doesn't match the rest of the blade? Or maybe the angle is confusing me. Perhaps done to fit the scabbard? But as you say, looks like it was done a while ago. The curve on the scabbard is perhaps due to shrinkage? I don't recall seeing anything similar, although the style of the leather work is consistent with a lot of ethnic groups in the Sahel. The pommel I think is the standout feature of this sword, much harder to find swords like this than the flat or stacked pommels.