Antique 19th century Islamic Ethiopian Somali Gile short Sword Dagger

Antique 19th century Islamic Ethiopian GILE short Sword, Dagger ~ Afar Tribe, with a massive curved, double-edged still blade, shaped like an asymmetrical leaf.

Wooden grip nicely wrapped with fine silver wire and adorned with iron rosettes. with a distinctive bronze pommel ending in a cap-like protrusion.

The scabbard is made of hardened raw hide, with fur flap, bottom wrapped in silver wire and mounted with a shaped brass chape. The sheath retaining its belt with rectangular white metal buckle.

GILE short Sword, Dagger The Jile, also known as a Gile in Afar language, in Somali is known as Golxad or Toorey, is a type of short sword – dagger with a long curved blade used by the Somali and Aftar people found in Djibouti, Ethiopia , Somalia , and Eritrea. Unique to the Horn of Africa, it is the most famous and characteristic of Afar and Somali short sword – dagger. This type of the dagger similar in form and derived from the Arabian jambiya.

REFERENCES:

1.Stone, G. C. (1934). A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms andArmor in All Countries and in All Times.

2.Islamic and Native Weapons of Colonial Africa 1800-1960 by Anthony C. Tirri.

MEASUREMENTS:
Overall length with the scabbard: 58 cm (22.83 inches).
Overall length without the scabbard: 52 cm (20.47 inches).
Width of the blade at the widest point: 5.7 cm (2.24 inches).
CONDITION: In very good untouched condition. Age and use are showing.