What kind of African blade is this?

Jim McDougall · 18th September 2015, 07:52 PM

Well noted, this appears to be a Dahomean 'hwi' from that kingdom (now Benin) used in ceremonial events and as a kind of bearing sword or regalia. Ian has detailed most of this spot on, and there are great references in Christopher Spring "African Arms and Armour". In this material the Palau-Marti article on Dahomean arms is cited.

I have always thought the cross in many of these seemed reminiscent of the type cross said to be of Portuguese influence on some African swords (I believe from Congo) from that influence on this part of African coast.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

18th September 2015, 07:52 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	Well noted, this appears to be a Dahomean 'hwi' from that kingdom (now Benin) used in ceremonial events and as a kind of bearing sword or regalia. Ian has detailed most of this spot on, and there are great references in Christopher Spring "African Arms and Armour". In this material the Palau-Marti article on Dahomean arms is cited. I have always thought the cross in many of these seemed reminiscent of the type cross said to be of Portuguese influence on some African swords (I believe from Congo) from that influence on this part of African coast.