Dahomean sword of Amazon warriors

Jim McDougall · 17th June 2025, 04:04 PM

Thank you Changdao!
Its funny, my son and I were just talking about the colonial era, and how the Europeans regarded the native peoples as 'savages', I think more toward the differences of course in religion and culture obviously. The notion that the natives were not 'advanced' enough to forge metal etc.was patently ridiculous, as you point out, and ironically (no pun intended) much of the abstracts of such knowledge became the basis for the advances in the Middle East and Asia.

The note on ranges of quality, and the variations in metal content, like those of the actual weapon form and elements, depended much on the local preferences and requirements as well as skills of the smiths. The evolving use of European blades was far more a matter of convenience in the colonial progression than any inadequacy of African blades.

The reason I posted this is partly from a 'bucket list' standpoint as I go through items collected over many years, and while much research has transpired on most......it is virtually a new world with expanded horizons in available material, resources and collective knowledge.
I hope to bring some of these examples into the light in hopes of others out there reading who have also studied in these areas to bring in examples, comparisons and add comments on these areas of history.

Pertinax · 17th June 2025, 07:03 PM

Beautiful sword Jim! Unfortunately, I have nothing from Dahomey yet.

Here is a selection of photos of these "gentle" girls.

Jim McDougall · 17th June 2025, 08:55 PM

Thank you Yuri!
These women warriors evolved into formidable force. As 'gently' noted

their battle activity was intense, and many were lost, but at notable cost to the French or any other enemy force.
It seems the 'hwi' existed in various forms of similar composure, but this form appears to have been seen often in around 1850s-90s.

What intrigues me as always are the markings, such as the wavy lines on my example. With the presence of course of the tribal religion, Vodun, I wonder how much of these kinds of markings while aesthetic may have also had deeper symbolism.

werecow · 18th June 2025, 12:32 AM

Snakes, perhaps?

Jim McDougall · 18th June 2025, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by werecow

Snakes, perhaps?

Good call!
Pythons are integral to the Vodun religion (linked to Voodoo in Louisiana and Caribbean) with the deity of Rainbow Serpent Dan, who was intermediary between the people and snakes.
The pythons emerged from the jungle to protect the king of Ouidah when under attack...there is a temple of the snakes in Ouidah.

17th June 2025, 07:03 PM	#2
Pertinax Member Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: City by the Black Sea Posts: 303	Beautiful sword Jim! Unfortunately, I have nothing from Dahomey yet. Here is a selection of photos of these "gentle" girls. Attached Images

17th June 2025, 04:04 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,687	Thank you Changdao! Its funny, my son and I were just talking about the colonial era, and how the Europeans regarded the native peoples as 'savages', I think more toward the differences of course in religion and culture obviously. The notion that the natives were not 'advanced' enough to forge metal etc.was patently ridiculous, as you point out, and ironically (no pun intended) much of the abstracts of such knowledge became the basis for the advances in the Middle East and Asia. The note on ranges of quality, and the variations in metal content, like those of the actual weapon form and elements, depended much on the local preferences and requirements as well as skills of the smiths. The evolving use of European blades was far more a matter of convenience in the colonial progression than any inadequacy of African blades. The reason I posted this is partly from a 'bucket list' standpoint as I go through items collected over many years, and while much research has transpired on most......it is virtually a new world with expanded horizons in available material, resources and collective knowledge. I hope to bring some of these examples into the light in hopes of others out there reading who have also studied in these areas to bring in examples, comparisons and add comments on these areas of history.

17th June 2025, 08:55 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,687	Thank you Yuri! These women warriors evolved into formidable force. As 'gently' noted their battle activity was intense, and many were lost, but at notable cost to the French or any other enemy force. It seems the 'hwi' existed in various forms of similar composure, but this form appears to have been seen often in around 1850s-90s. What intrigues me as always are the markings, such as the wavy lines on my example. With the presence of course of the tribal religion, Vodun, I wonder how much of these kinds of markings while aesthetic may have also had deeper symbolism.

18th June 2025, 12:32 AM	#4
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 624	Snakes, perhaps?