Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Questions about the Sardinian Sword, Leppa de chintu

Duccio · 29th January 2022, 03:50 PM

Hi Pitt,
the daggers in the photos you posted are actually Sardinian "Leppa de chintu" (belt blades); they are blades of variable length from 20-30 cm up to 50-60, with the handle typically made of horn or wood covered with a brass or silver sheet, with burin engravings.
It was a knife / sword used for defense, but also for more practical uses, as it has always been for the blades used by shepherds and farmers. It was certainly part of the traditional costume and was flaunted as a luxury accessory.
The photo you posted is part of a series that can be seen here:
https://www.tradizionisarde.com/vendita/39- Archive/27- Archive/214-antiche-leppe-sarde.html
and shows two ancient leppes, with horn handles.
Many leppe of those dating back to the mid-nineteenth century mount blades from Spain.
Some Sardinian artisans still produce highly decorated leppe today.

29th January 2022, 03:50 PM	#2
Duccio Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Florence, Italy Posts: 64	Hi Pitt, the daggers in the photos you posted are actually Sardinian "Leppa de chintu" (belt blades); they are blades of variable length from 20-30 cm up to 50-60, with the handle typically made of horn or wood covered with a brass or silver sheet, with burin engravings. It was a knife / sword used for defense, but also for more practical uses, as it has always been for the blades used by shepherds and farmers. It was certainly part of the traditional costume and was flaunted as a luxury accessory. The photo you posted is part of a series that can be seen here: https://www.tradizionisarde.com/vendita/39- Archive/27- Archive/214-antiche-leppe-sarde.html and shows two ancient leppes, with horn handles. Many leppe of those dating back to the mid-nineteenth century mount blades from Spain. Some Sardinian artisans still produce highly decorated leppe today. Attached Images