Ivory Billao
Ivory Billao
Somaliland (Somalia)
Second quarter 20th century (ca. 1925 - 1945)
Elephant ivory, horn, aluminum, steel, goat hide
Blade: 21,6cm
Hilt & Blade: 36,3cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 41,3cm
Collection Date: 2022
Collection Number: 274
A very good example of the Somali billao from just prior to the WWII era near Somaliland, present-day Somalia. The blade is double- edged and asymmetrical, with a raised medial ridge and chamfered edges. The hilt, with nicely matured patina and age cracks, is carved from elephant ivory separated by a horn section and displaying a three- pronged pommel spike made of aluminum, which dates it to the second quarter of the 20th century. Most ivory carved examples are of a single pommel spike in contrast to the three-pronged type, which are typically carved of horn. Complete with its goat hide sheath.
Spring, Christopher. “African Arms and Armor”. 1993. Page 105 – 106
https://oriental-arms.com/product/billao-dagger-from-east-africa-2/