A Fine Ivory Billao
Oromo / Harari / Somali
Hararghe, Ethiopian Empire (Ethiopia) - British Somaliland (Somalia)
Second quarter 20th century (ca. 1925 - 1945)
Elephant ivory, brass, horn, zinc, steel
Blade: 19,7cm
Hilt & Blade: 34,9cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2019
Collection Number: 319

A fine atypical variation of the billao dagger. Billao daggers are fairly common, though this piece is set apart by its pommel carved in the shape of a semi-circle rather than the typical silver pommel spike or three- pronged pommel ends. This variation shows both Somali and Ethiopian influence and is likely from the Northern borderlands between the two countries historically known as Hararghe.

The steel blade is double- edged asymmetrical with a slight medial ridge. The hilt is ivory stacked by segments of horn, brass, and zinc. Ivory semi-circular pommel with a brass pommel cap. An excellent display of characteristics from both Ethiopian and Somali cross- cultural relations.