African sword for I.D. and comment

Jim McDougall · 8th April 2009, 06:10 PM

I've always thought the Ethiopian gurades, which were of course of European style, typically had langets, and these often had the familiar lion of Judah. The idea of further south is interesting but I am presuming regions in one of the Central African countries is suggested other than Kenya.
The idea of ivory being readily available in those regions which were basically a thoroughfare for the trade routes originating in Zanzibar does make sense. These trade routes did continue cross continent into West Africa as well, so even though ivory and bone were not necessarily commonly used in hilts to the west, in singular cases it seems possible. Those extremely familiar circled dots of course are seen across North Africa in many weapons, and are often seen on grips in Central Asia, Balkans, India and not sure how many other of the trade network centers.
The style and scabbard still look west African, but as always, there are many possibilities.

Best regards,
Jim

8th April 2009, 06:10 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	I've always thought the Ethiopian gurades, which were of course of European style, typically had langets, and these often had the familiar lion of Judah. The idea of further south is interesting but I am presuming regions in one of the Central African countries is suggested other than Kenya. The idea of ivory being readily available in those regions which were basically a thoroughfare for the trade routes originating in Zanzibar does make sense. These trade routes did continue cross continent into West Africa as well, so even though ivory and bone were not necessarily commonly used in hilts to the west, in singular cases it seems possible. Those extremely familiar circled dots of course are seen across North Africa in many weapons, and are often seen on grips in Central Asia, Balkans, India and not sure how many other of the trade network centers. The style and scabbard still look west African, but as always, there are many possibilities. Best regards, Jim