Heavy Nubian / Nigerian Short sword...age? comments?

Ian · 9th October 2006, 12:00 AM

Katana:

I think your sword is mostly likely from Benin (formerly Dahomey). The heavy bronze/brass hilt with chevron designs is typical of Benin work. There is a previous thread that considerd other Benin swords (hwe) here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=300

Ian.

katana · 9th October 2006, 12:18 AM

Thanks Ian,
now I can add a few more 'key words' in google and see what it turns up

Tim Simmons · 9th October 2006, 10:13 AM

I do beg your pardon. I have always associated "hwi" "ada" and "udamalore" as some of the finest and high status work of the city states of West Africa. Much like old fashioned city mayor regalia, its quality varies depending on it wealth and affiliation to the royal household. It does not look like a fighting weapon to me, what do you think? I felt unsure because of the apparent ageing to the brass with not a lot of sign of frequent fondling

I love saying that.

Lew · 9th October 2006, 01:33 PM

I have seen these swords before with claims they are from Nigeria? Hopefully this is not a Chinese copy of an African sword

Just think of it having the market flooded with chinese made repros of this type of stuff

Lew

katana · 10th October 2006, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

Hopefully this is not a Chinese copy of an African sword

Just think of it having the market flooded with chinese made repros of this type of stuff

Lew

I think that unlikely.....why produce a 'copy' of an unfamiliar, plain sword from a continent thats not world famous for it's sword production ? Hardly good business sense.....even for the 'fake-makers'.

With the weight, thickness of the blade and its lack of adornment I believe this to be a functional weapon. Dahomey (Benin), Cameroon or neighbouring Nigeria seem likely. Considering the French involvement with Dahomey its not unreasonable to suggest that this sword could be a native copy of a 'cabbage cutter', the nickname for the short French issue side arm.
The area historically had many craftsmen that used 'lost wax' casting of bronze and brass ......again suggesting the same area. And as Ian has pointed out...the chevron 'motif' suggests Dahomey.

Lew .. when I receive the sword and if I find a stamp ' frabrique' en Chine'
I'll let you know

katana · 11th October 2006, 11:37 PM

Added this picture, looking down on the handle.........seems to have a well formed blade.....definately looks functional to me......but then I'm biased

Tim Simmons · 12th October 2006, 08:31 PM

I am keen to see some more pictures. One thing that I find a little disconcerting is that the carving in the wax and cast handle does not seem to have any wear so this may be fairly modern. West Africa is well known for its brass casting. I do hope you can allay my fears but I am still a little unsure. Did the seller suggest Nubia/Nigeria? it is a very long way between the two.

9th October 2006, 12:00 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,614	Probably from Benin Katana: I think your sword is mostly likely from Benin (formerly Dahomey). The heavy bronze/brass hilt with chevron designs is typical of Benin work. There is a previous thread that considerd other Benin swords (hwe) here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=300 Ian.

11th October 2006, 11:37 PM	#6
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Added this picture, looking down on the handle.........seems to have a well formed blade.....definately looks functional to me......but then I'm biased Attached Images

9th October 2006, 12:18 AM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Thanks Ian, now I can add a few more 'key words' in google and see what it turns up

9th October 2006, 10:13 AM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,940	I do beg your pardon. I have always associated "hwi" "ada" and "udamalore" as some of the finest and high status work of the city states of West Africa. Much like old fashioned city mayor regalia, its quality varies depending on it wealth and affiliation to the royal household. It does not look like a fighting weapon to me, what do you think? I felt unsure because of the apparent ageing to the brass with not a lot of sign of frequent fondling I love saying that.

9th October 2006, 01:33 PM	#4
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	I have seen these swords before with claims they are from Nigeria? Hopefully this is not a Chinese copy of an African sword Just think of it having the market flooded with chinese made repros of this type of stuff Lew

12th October 2006, 08:31 PM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,940	I am keen to see some more pictures. One thing that I find a little disconcerting is that the carving in the wax and cast handle does not seem to have any wear so this may be fairly modern. West Africa is well known for its brass casting. I do hope you can allay my fears but I am still a little unsure. Did the seller suggest Nubia/Nigeria? it is a very long way between the two.