A Great Gile

Martin Lubojacky · 13th March 2013, 01:04 AM

Hi Battara,
Congratulations to this nice Afar Chief ! Let me allow to take this opportunity to post again the picture of my old catch, which is similar to yours.

Re. "Arab similarity" - there is also one aspect. They used to wear it always - like jambiyas in Yemen - I would say as a part of the costume and life style. On the stomach - but not vertically, like in Yemen, but horizontally.

CharlesS · 13th March 2013, 01:21 AM

Both of those silver mounted beauties are just that....beauties!

Congrats to you both!

Battara · 13th March 2013, 05:12 AM

W

W! What a nice piece you have! Thanks for sharing for comparison as well as the information.

Ok a question: was this worn by a chieftain? I know by someone wealthy.......

kahnjar1 · 13th March 2013, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

Hi Battara,
Congratulations to this nice Afar Chief ! Let me allow to take this opportunity to post again the picture of my old catch, which is similar to yours.

Re. "Arab similarity" - there is also one aspect. They used to wear it always - like jambiyas in Yemen - I would say as a part of the costume and life style. On the stomach - but not vertically, like in Yemen, but horizontally.

Here is a pic showing how jambiya were worn horizontally. No doubt the Gile was worn in a similar manner.
Stu

Martin Lubojacky · 13th March 2013, 12:35 PM

Ordinary Afar dagger was worn by men from their childhood till death, I think. This nice pieces - I am not sure if by chiefs in the true seńce of the word, or only by wealthy people. Some years ago I tried to find out why there were several types which mutually differ - if there were any rules (from the tribal point o view and/or socially structural point of view). I did not find practically anything. If there is any book on this, I would be happy to read it. We just called this type "Chief" to distinguish it. I will scan old picture of Lich Iyasu wearing it during his visit to Harar.

13th March 2013, 01:04 AM	#1
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 845	Hi Battara, Congratulations to this nice Afar Chief ! Let me allow to take this opportunity to post again the picture of my old catch, which is similar to yours. Re. "Arab similarity" - there is also one aspect. They used to wear it always - like jambiyas in Yemen - I would say as a part of the costume and life style. On the stomach - but not vertically, like in Yemen, but horizontally. Attached Images

13th March 2013, 01:21 AM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Both of those silver mounted beauties are just that....beauties! Congrats to you both!

13th March 2013, 05:12 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	W W! What a nice piece you have! Thanks for sharing for comparison as well as the information. Ok a question: was this worn by a chieftain? I know by someone wealthy.......

13th March 2013, 12:35 PM	#5
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 845	Ordinary Afar dagger was worn by men from their childhood till death, I think. This nice pieces - I am not sure if by chiefs in the true seńce of the word, or only by wealthy people. Some years ago I tried to find out why there were several types which mutually differ - if there were any rules (from the tribal point o view and/or socially structural point of view). I did not find practically anything. If there is any book on this, I would be happy to read it. We just called this type "Chief" to distinguish it. I will scan old picture of Lich Iyasu wearing it during his visit to Harar.