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.

Martin Lubojacky · 2nd January 2012, 07:39 PM

Hello,
Based on the leatherwork I feel more influence of Mandingo than Mandara people
Regards,

Martin

Iain · 2nd January 2012, 09:02 PM

This was the page that had me thinking Cameroon based on the leatherwork...

Martin Lubojacky · 3rd January 2012, 08:29 PM

Hello Iain,

I do not have this book - I presuppose it is also by Manfred Zirngibl. What to object to such aithority. I was only thinking about the style of leatherwork on upper part of scabbard - on its end, I mean those dyke-like trimmings...
Regards,
Martin

Iain · 3rd January 2012, 09:19 PM

Hi Martin,

I think it is from "Afrikanische Waffen" I do not have the whole book only some scans. But when I saw this sword I was reminded of this page.

Because of the curve in the scabbard it may be possible like Colin said, that scabbard is not original to the sword. I completely agree with you those "bands" on the top of the scabbard feel very Mandingo.

All the best,

Iain

Iain · 9th February 2012, 02:17 PM

As Colin was kind enough to allow this to pass into my collection, I wanted to share a couple of new photos.

To sum up the info already in this thread, native blade, original tip I believe after close examination. The pommel is of a form I have also on a sword I believe to be from the Bornu region, so this shape may be characteristic of the region.

The scabbard fits reasonably well on the sword, may well also be original. The scabbard originally had a line of tassels, only one remains.

Nicely balanced weapon overall.

2nd January 2012, 09:02 PM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	This was the page that had me thinking Cameroon based on the leatherwork... Attached Images

9th February 2012, 02:17 PM	#6
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	As Colin was kind enough to allow this to pass into my collection, I wanted to share a couple of new photos. To sum up the info already in this thread, native blade, original tip I believe after close examination. The pommel is of a form I have also on a sword I believe to be from the Bornu region, so this shape may be characteristic of the region. The scabbard fits reasonably well on the sword, may well also be original. The scabbard originally had a line of tassels, only one remains. Nicely balanced weapon overall. Attached Images Last edited by Iain; 9th February 2012 at 02:28 PM.

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22nd December 2011, 11:40 AM	#1
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.

2nd January 2012, 07:39 PM	#2
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Hello, Based on the leatherwork I feel more influence of Mandingo than Mandara people Regards, Martin

3rd January 2012, 08:29 PM	#4
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Hello Iain, I do not have this book - I presuppose it is also by Manfred Zirngibl. What to object to such aithority. I was only thinking about the style of leatherwork on upper part of scabbard - on its end, I mean those dyke-like trimmings... Regards, Martin

3rd January 2012, 09:19 PM	#5
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Hi Martin, I think it is from "Afrikanische Waffen" I do not have the whole book only some scans. But when I saw this sword I was reminded of this page. Because of the curve in the scabbard it may be possible like Colin said, that scabbard is not original to the sword. I completely agree with you those "bands" on the top of the scabbard feel very Mandingo. All the best, Iain