Lew Waldman's Ethnographic Arms & Armour Collection Archive


1063 - East African Somali Dagger with Sheath and Belt

The double edged blade is slightly asymmetrical, typical for a Somali billao dagger, and 8 inches (20.5 cm) in length. A very slightly raised rib originates and terminates in the midline, but tracks what would be midline if the less curved edge were reflected across it. Either side of the low rib is a scantly concave blade facet that thickens before tapering to a sharp edge. The background of the blade is dark gray with bright iron seen at the edges and high points. The hardwood hilt is trimmed with aluminum and copper and an iron pommel with two protuberances is held in place by an iron finial with a brass tang button. The dagger is accompanied by a leather sheath with a brown leather belt that will stretch to 34½ inches (88 cm) overall and about 30 inches (76 cm) maximum if buckled. The buckle strap and the narrow strap that fits into the buckle are torn and frayed, respectively, and not serviceable without repair. Overall length of dagger and scabbard is 15 inches (38 cm) with a weight of 11 1/3 ounces (322 grams).

Lew presented this dagger on the forum when he purchased it in 2010.




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