Ethiopian shotel

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hi Jim,

The Ethiopians use the word “gurade” to refer to a classic sabre, that is, a weapon with a traditional sabre-shaped blade (I also heard word "shabola", but seldom).
The word “saif” is used for a straight sword there.
“Shotel” is somewhat S-shaped near the hilt and then follows a sickle-like, sometimes even semi-circular curve. Its scabbard also has a classic belt attachment, for example a simple leather loop.
But, “Jille,” although it has a similar curvature beneath the hilt and can also be as long as a sabreor shotel, does not have such a pronounced sickle-like bend at the tip (like shotel); the end is straighter. Its scabbard has a completely characteristic belt attachment that tends to hold the weapon on the belt in a slightly more horizontal position.
During my stay in Addis Ababa years ago, this terminology was followed by local Ethiopian sellers (regardless of how the terminology may have evolved among collectors of Ethiopian edged weapons elsewhere in the world). It may have changed since then even there....
(I am currently traveling and can come back to chat next week)

Best,

Martin