Ethiopian Dagger
Amhara
Addis Ababa (?), Abyssinia - Ethiopia
First half of the 20th century
Steel, brass, horn, aluminum, leather
Blade: 24,4cm
Hilt & Blade: 35,6cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 40cm
Collection Date: 2019
Collection Number: 99

Ex. American Art Market (2019)

A dagger from the area of central Ethiopia, most likely from the capital of Addis Ababa, dating to the WWII era. The double- edged curved steel blade is plain, likely produced from sheet metal. The hilt is composed of layered segments of brass, horn, and bone separated by aluminum spacers. Decorated with strips and nails of brass and aluminum. The silver repoussé sheath in traditional Abyssinian design, beaded silver edges, and a silver band at the top. Ethiopian Ortodox cross chape. A red and yellow leather interior helps secure the blade.

The dagger itself dates to around the World War II period and is paired with an older early 20th century Abyssinian silver sheath chape from a gurade or shotel sword. The leather interior was then inserted to fit the newer knife. While not entirely old, the sheath demonstrates the beautiful Abyssinian designs of the late 19th to early 20th century. These knives are still produced today but in lesser quality.

[1] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af2006-22-6

[2] http://oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4693 (Example of Sheath from Sword)

[3] https://africanarms.com/gallery.html?4-two-arab-dagger-ethiopia-somalia-kl-2