The African continent, with its mosaic of cultures and histories, presents a vast array of swords, each uniquely engrained with its own narrative. The journey of human evolution, hinged on the invention and refinement of tools, finds its roots deeply embedded in the African soil. From the dawn of prehistory to the zenith of metallurgical advancements, Africa has been a fertile ground for the progress of weaponry. This article seeks to shed light on some of the most celebrated African swords, while unravelling others that may not have found their way into the limelight.
1. Khopesh
Best recognized as a signature weapon of ancient Egypt, the Khopesh exhibits the hybrid characteristics of an axe and a sword. With half of the blade straight and half radically curved, this sword transformed from an epsilon axe rather than a sickle.
- Blade: Single-edged with a sickle-like shape;
- Handle: Straight;
- Dimensions: Approximately 19 to 23 inches in length and 2.2 to 3.3 lbs in weight.
2. Akrafena
Hailing from modern-day Ghana, the Akrafena is a symbol of the Ashanti or Akan ethnic group. It is used in varying sizes as ceremonial swords. Their machete-like, ornately designed blades, and oversized round pommels especially stand out.
- Blade: Curved, single-edged with shapes and openings;
- Handle: Straight with a round ball-sized pommel;
- Dimensions: Approximately 27 to 39 inches in length and 1.5 to 2.8 lbs in weight.
3. Mambele Sword
The Mambele, predominantly used as a throwing dagger, also exists as a distinct sword, hailing from northeastern Congo. Owing to its sickle-like shape, some consider it a successor of the Egyptian Khopesh.
- Blade: Strongly curved, with projections above the hilt and widened tip;
- Handle: Straight;
- Dimensions: Approximately 22 to 30 inches in length and 1.1 to 1.5 lbs in weight.
4. Flyssa
The Flyssa traces its roots back to Algeria in the 19th century. The Berber tribe, known as Kabyle, primarily used this weapon. Suitable for thrusting and slashing, this weapon displays a width at the tip, similar to a Yatagan or Kilij.
- Blade: Single-edged, subtly curved with a widened tip (yalman);
- Handle: Straight, may feature a unique pommel;
- Dimensions: Approximately 12 to 38 inches in length and 1.1 to 1.0 lbs in weight.
5. Nimcha
The Nimcha, a one-handed, single-edged curved saber, found extensive use across Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. Its origin remains mysterious, with the earliest known examples dating back to the 16th or 17th century. Interestingly, its blades were often imported from the Middle East or Europe.
- Blade: Single-edged, curved with a fuller;
- Handle: Features a pistol grip, knuckle grip, and a distinctive pommel;
- Dimensions: Approximately 39 inches in length and 2 lbs in weight.
6. Kaskara
Heavily influenced by the medieval Islamic swords of North Africa, the Kaskara was primarily used across Sudan, Eritrea, and Chad. This sword features a European aesthetic, with a unique langet or quillon extending onto the blade.
- Blade: Double-edged, straight with a fuller;
- Handle: Straight, made of wood, and features a disc leather pommel;
- Dimensions: Approximately 39 inches in length and 2.6 to 3.3 lbs in weight.
7. The Mandinka Sabre
The Mandinka Sabre, a distinctive curved sword, traces its roots back to the Manding warriors of Western Sudan in the late 18th century. Scholars suggest that its design may have been influenced by trade connections with Oman in the East, leading to both straight and curved variations. The sword’s most striking feature includes a ribbed handle wrapped in locally made leather without any guard, allowing it to be stealthily concealed within a scabbard.
- Blade type: Single-edged, curved or straight;
- Guard: Absent;
- Handle: Compact and lean, enveloped in ribbed leather;
- Length: Ranges between 23 to 35 inches (60 to 90 cm);
- Weight: Approx. 1.5 to 2.2 lbs (0.7 to 1 kg).
8. The Ada/Omozo
The Ada sword, also known as the Omozo, was a symbol of authority in the Benin Empire through the 17th to 19th centuries. With its swollen and curved tip designed primarily for chopping, this sword was likely used for executions. The Ada was often oversized and ornate, reinforcing the wielder’s authority during public executions.
- Blade type: Single-edged, curved, with a swollen and widened tip;
- Guard: Disc-shaped;
- Handle: Straight with a disc-shaped pommel;
- Length: Varies between 15 to 59 inches (40 to 150 cm);
- Weight: Around 1.5 to 3.3 lbs (0.7 to 1.5 kg).
9. The Shotel & Gurade
The Shotel, a single-edged curved sword native to northeast Africa, specifically Ethiopia, is a historical artifact that saw usage from the 10th century AD up until the Italian invasion prior to World War II. Its alternative form, the Gurade, boasts a straighter blade. As historical photographs from World War II indicate, the outside curve of these swords was primarily utilized in combat. Interestingly, the shotel’s iconic design even influenced 19th-century French and British officers’ sword designs.
- Blade type: Curved, with double or single edges;
- Guard: Absent;
- Handle: Straight with a widened guard and pommel;
- Length: Approx. 40 inches (1 meter);
- Weight: Roughly 1.9 lbs (900 grams).
10. Ol Alem
The Ol Alem, widely used by the Maasai people of Kenya and North Tanzania, was a staple in both combat and daily life. This popularity led to many foreigners taking these swords back to Europe. These short swords, often paired with a shield and a spear, came in two main varieties: those locally made in Kenya featuring a mid-rib, and European-made versions with flat, broad blades.
- Blade type: Straight and double-edged, with a wide tip;
- Guard: Absent;
- Handle: Straight;
- Length: Between 15 to 31 inches (40 to 80 cm);
- Weight: Approx. 1 to 2 lbs (450 to 900 grams).
11. The Takouba
Resembling a medieval European sword, the Takouba stands out among African swords for its unusually large guard. This feature was born out of the belief of the Tuareg tribe in central Sudan—the Takouba’s creators—that iron or steel held mystical powers. As a result, only specialized Tuareg blacksmiths were allowed to craft these swords.
- Blade type: Straight, with a rounded, less sharp tip;
- Guard: Wide cruciform;
- Handle: Very short, thin, and straight with a disc pommel;
- Length: Varies from 29 to 35 inches (73 to 90 cm);
- Weight: Around 2.2 to 3.3 lbs (1 to 1.5 kg).
12. Ida
The Ida is a distinct, multipurpose weapon originating from Western Africa, predominantly wielded by the Yoruba people of Nigeria’s southwestern regions. This lead-shaped sword is versatile, with numerous shapes and sizes that make it both a practical tool and a combat weapon. Connect to the iron of Ogun, the Yoruba god of war, the Ida is imbued with supposed mystical properties that can ward off malevolent spirits.
- Blade: Straight, double-edged, and broadens toward the tip;
- Guard: None;
- Handle: Straight;
- Length: Ranges from 21 to 26 inches (or 25 to 65 cm);
- Weight: Approximately 1.1 to 2.2 lbs (or 0.5 to 1 kg).
13. Bilao
The Bilao is a unique African shortsword that impresses with its plain yet adorned blade. Housed in its pommel is an extraordinary combination of ornamentations consisting of one to three pyramidal points. With a blade similar to a Roman Gladius, the Bilao is crafted for swift, powerful stabs. Its variance makes it oscillate between a dagger and a shortsword.
- Blade: Straight, double-edged;
- Guard: None;
- Handle: Straight, elaborately decorated with a large pommel flaunting a spike;
- Length: Ranges from 17 to 24 inches (or 40 to 70 cm);
- Weight: Approximately 0.5 to 1.1 lbs (or 200 to 500 grams).
14. Kuba Ikul
The Kuba Ikul, despite resembling a knife or dagger, is esteemed as a Peace Sword. This ornamental sword is a symbol of prestige and status. It was traditionally used by the fearsome Kuba warriors, who would tuck it in their belts to signify their readiness for battle and possibly deter capture. The Kuba Ikul was often used ceremonially rather than in combat, often as a peace offering to other tribes.
- Blade: Broad, leaf-shaped;
- Guard: None;
- Handle: Extremely short;
- Length: Around 13 inches (or 35 cm);
- Weight: Approximately 0.4 to 0.8 lbs (or 200 to 400 grams).
15. Dahomey
Also known as the Hwi, the Dahomey sword shares similarities with the Akrafena swords of Western Africa. Primarily employed in ceremonies, this sword is embellished with intricate designs depicting mythological creatures or significant events on the blade. Its pommel copies designs from 19th-century Europe, making them a sought-after item for art sword collectors.
- Blade: Curved, single-edged with the blade’s tip shaped in various creatures;
- Guard: Rounded quillon;
- Handle: Knuckle, decorated with uniquely shaped pommel;
- Length: Ranges from 15 to 39 inches (or 0.4 to 1 m);
- Weight: Approximately 1.7 to 2.2 lbs (or 0.7 to 1 kg).
16. Ngombe
Hailing from the Congo region of Africa, the Ngombe sword is a unique ceremonial shortsword associated with chilling sacrifices and fierce combat. This intriguing weapon features a blade with multiple tips along the edge and a crescent-like blade tip, making it lethal despite its lack of a guard.
- Blade: Distinct curves along the edge, crescent tip, engraved details;
- Guard: None;
- Handle: Straight, narrowed, ornate disc pommels;
- Length: Ranges from 21 to 29 inches (or 54 to 73 cm);
- Weight: Approximately 1 to 1.4 lbs (or 450 to 650 grams).
17. Ikakalaka or Kuba/Konda
The Ikakalaka, or Konda, is an unassuming African sword from the Kuba people of Congo. It features a double-edged blade that widens into two symmetrical projecting points and a large crescent-type tip, making it appear non-threatening. Despite this, the Ikakalaka is a formidable weapon capable of piercing traditional Congo armors and hooking large shields.
- Blade: Straight, double-edged, symmetrical crescent tips;
- Guard: None;
- Handle: Straight, wide pommel;
- Length: Ranges from 23 to 30 inches (or 58 to 76 cm);
- Weight: Approximately 0.9 to 1.7 lbs (or 400 to 800 grams).
18. Gile / Jile
The Gile or Jile, with its rhino horn-like appearance, originates in Somalia and is used for everyday activities like farming as well as military purposes. This sword was also utilized in Ethiopia, suggesting its influence in the region. African nobility often possessed ornate versions with handles made from ivory or rhinoceros horn.
- Blade: Curved, single-edged;
- Guard: None;
- Handle: Straight, ornamented pommel;
- Length: Ranges from 12 to 20 inches (or 30 to 50 cm);
- Weight: Approximately 0.3 to 0.7 lbs (or 150 to 350 grams).
19. Guduf
The Guduf sword is a prized possession of the Gudupe tribe of the Fali people near Lake Chad in Central Africa. It is a straight sword, shorter than the Takouba, and mainly used in close combat scenarios to repel other tribes or by slave traders looking to profit.
- Blade: Straight, double-edged, blunt point;
- Guard: Narrowed;
- Handle: Straight;
- Length: Ranges from 23 to 27 inches (or 60 to 70 cm);
- Weight: Approximately 1.3 to 1.7 lbs (or 600 to 800 grams).
20. Salampasu
The Salampasu tribe of modern-day Congo, known for its fierce warrior spirit, uses the Salampasu sword. The tribe is also renowned for their masks, sacrifices, and allegations of cannibalism. Despite their notorious reputation, the Salampasu adhered to a code that wasn’t universally cruel.
- Blade: Straight, double-edged with spikes along the edge;
- Guard: None;
- Handle: Straight, decorated with patterns;
- Length: Around 22 inches (or 55 cm);
- Weight: Approximately 2 lbs (or 900 grams).
21. Cimpada / Tshimphaaba
The Cimpada was a paramount symbol of authority for the nobility and war chiefs of Angola, forming an integral part of the royal regalia. Displaying this ceremonial weapon was enough to silence the chief’s rivals, making it an invaluable tool during judicial trials and sacrifices.
- Blade: Single-edged, straight, widened tip, embellished with symbols and edge design;
- Guard: None;
- Handle: Highly ornamented with various mythological shapes;
- Length: Around 21 inches (or 55 cm);
- Weight: Approximately 1.5 lbs (or 700 grams).
22. Sengese Sword
Although primarily employed as a throwing dagger, the Sengese Sword bears the characteristics of a sword and could easily have been used as such. The snake or sickle shape of the blade could cause significant damage, and it boasted a lethal range of 40 to 60 feet (or 12 to 18 meters). The Sengese was also a status symbol, frequently seen in ceremonies in Cameroon.
- Blade: Double-edged, formed like a snake or sickle;
- Guard: None;
- Handle: Straight, long;
- Length: Around 21 inches (or 55 cm);
- Weight: Approximately 1.1 to 2.2 lbs (or 0.5 to 1 kg).
Conclusion
The diverse range of African swords provides a captivating glimpse into the continent’s extensive historical tapestry. Each of these weapons, from the versatile Ida to the ceremonial Imbembe, is a testimony to the unique cultural practices and ingenious combat strategies developed over centuries. These swords remain enduring symbols of Africa’s rich heritage and continue to astonish with their distinct designs and functionalities.