Make it stand out.
A Large and Very Fine Silver and Ivory Billao
Kismayo, Sultanate of the Geledi - British East Africa - Oltre Giuba - Italian Somaliland (Somalia)
Early 20th century (ca. 1910 - 1930)
Elephant ivory, horn, zinc or pewter, steel, leather
Blade: 26,7cm
Hilt & Blade: 47,6cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 49,1cm
Collection Date: 2017
Collection Number: 43
A very fine and large example of the Somali billao from the Horn of Africa. This example is of high quality and larger than usual dimensions. The blade is asymmetrical double- edged with a medial ridge, blackened in the center. Hilt carved from elephant ivory with beautiful patterns. A brass ferrule divides the hilt with a small spacer of brass and metal alloy, probably zinc or pewter between two segments of ivory.
The pommel with a large crown-like silver spike and mounted silver band, repoussé in floral motifs. The reverse with engraved Arabic script of either the maker or the owner. Translated roughly to "Ali Bhai Abdul Mai Kismayo". Kismayo is a port city in the southernmost part of Somalia of the Jubaland, previously part of British East Africa (Kenya Colony) and later Italian Somaliland. Complete with its goat hide sheath, ornately tooled and decorated. A very fine example made for someone of a high societal status during the European colonial era.
Spring, Christopher. “African Arms and Armor”. 1993. Page 105 – 106 (Info)