Billao / Belawa Short Sword in Sheath
Somali, Somalia
Iron, goat leather, horn, zinc
Late 19th / early 20th century
This type of short sword, known as billao or belawa, would have originally been carried in a sheath covered in soft, white sheep's leather. There are two distinct pommel designs - one with a single metal tang projecting from the center, and one with three metal tangs that make the handle resemble a crown. This type of handle, with horn and zinc in interleaved strata, is particularly complex and beautiful (Spring, Christopher. African Arms and Armor. 1993).
29.25 in :: 74 cm
InventoryID #13-2302
SOLD