Dahomean sword of Amazon warriors

Jim McDougall · Yesterday, 07:55 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.

Yesterday, 07:55 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	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.