Type Shortsword Used by Somali Length 17" to 25" | Place of origin Horn of Africa Weight 9.0 oz | |
Wars Dervish resistance (1896–1920) | ||
A billao (Somali: billaawe), also known as a belawa, is a horn-hilted Somali shortsword. It served most notably as a close-quarters weapon in the Dervish State, at the turn of the 20th century.
Features
The dagger has a double-edged, leaf-shaped, asymmetrical blade and a three-pronged pommel. One-pronged pommels with the metal tang protruding out from the center of the hilt have been reported. Together, the grip and pommel are 6¾" in circumference. The billao's blade is made of iron or steel, and is 10½" long and 2½" wide. Though other horn types are also used, the handle is typically made from the horn of buffalo. In total, the dagger is 17¼" long. The sheath is made of sheepskin, and the sword is worn on a belt around the waist.
References
Billao Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA