Billao

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Billao
A billao shortsword.
TypeShortsword or long dagger
Place of originHorn of Africa
Service history
Used bySomali
WarsDervish resistance (1896–1920)
Specifications
Mass9 oz (260 g)
Length17 to 25 in (43 to 64 cm)
Width(2.5 in (6.4 cm) (blade)
Blade typeiron or steel; pointed, double-edged
Hilt typehorn
Scabbard/sheathsheepskin

A billao (Somali: billaawe), also known as a bilaawe, is a horn-hilted Somali shortsword or long dagger depending on blade length. It served most notably as a close-quarters weapon in the Dervish State, at the turn of the 20th century, as well as northern sultanates around that same time period.

History

Somali warrior with a spear and billao

The billao is thought to be a traditionally old weapon as evidenced by ancient rock engravings at Bur Eibi, an archaeological site in southern Somalia.[1] These are believed to be an early depiction of the unique design of the blade, in particular the hilt in which no other parallel is found.[2] Revoil believed that these were the blades depicted in the Deir-el-Bahri wall paintings on the belt of Punt chiefs.[3]

Features

The billao has a double-edged, leaf-shaped, asymmetrical blade and a three-pronged pommel.[4] One-pronged pommels with the metal tang protruding out from the center of the hilt have been reported. Together, the grip and pommel are 6.75 in (17.1 cm) in circumference. The billao's blade is made of iron or steel, and is 10.5 in (27 cm)" long and 2.5 in (6.4 cm)" wide.[5][6] Though other horn types are also used, the handle is typically made from the horn of buffalo.[7] In total, the dagger is 17.25 in (43.8 cm) long.[5] The sheath is made of sheepskin, and the sword is worn on a belt around the waist.[7]

Other variants

The longer version of the billao can either be a straight sword or have a curved blade similar to a sabre. It is also sometimes referred to as sayf. Despite the difference in length, it still retains the hilt shape.[1]

See also

References

  1. Graziosi, Paolo (1940). L'età della pietra in Somalia (in Italian). G. C. Sansoni editore.
  2. Grottanelli, Vinigi L. (1947). "Asiatic influences on Somali culture 1". Ethnos. 12 (4): 153–181. doi:10.1080/00141844.1947.9980670. ISSN 0014-1844.
  3. Georges Révoil (1882). La vallée du Darror: voyage aux pays çomalis (Afrique orientale) (in French). University of Michigan. Challamel ainé.
  4. Spring, Christopher (1993). African arms and armour. British Museum. London: published for the Trustees of the British Museum by British Museum Press. pp. 104–106. ISBN 978-0-7141-2508-4.
  5. Somali billao with sheath and belt
  6. Somali billao short sword
  7. Somali warrior