Ethiopian tribal sword like a King Kobra?

WrongFriend

WrongFriend

Joined
Jul 6, 1999
Messages
1,151
Yesterday I saw a TV program on a tribe in NE Ethiopia. They were Afar tribe, living as nomad on camel. Among them, a child becomes an adult through a rite of passage (couldn't see in detail) at age 11, and is given a sword. The sword looked quite alike a King Kobra khukuri with 25" OAL, very pointy tip, thin (1-2/16") and geometric thin shape. The handle had the same "bell" feature at butt end.

I guessed both khukuri and the sword are decendant of Kopi, and realy got interested. Unfortunately I didn't made video copy of the program, and even its name fell off from my memory now....
Any info about the sword? I'm sure it will attract many forumites on HI forum, especially Kobra / King Kobra fans.
 
I didn't catch the TV program, but I'd quess that you were seeing a shotel. It customarily has a double-edged blade, and every reference I have found describes it as an extremely awkward weapon.
 
Thanks for info, Berk! The people I saw on TV had simpler ones with shallower curve, but still looks as same kind as its description says the purposee is to "strike over or around the shield."

After being allowed to wear the sword, he (the boy) can't quarrel with anybody risking his or his family's life. They said it's because a man with a sword fights for life. Using the sword for dressing a camel was okay, it's for the purpose of life. They seemed to suffer from much less crimes than us in a society of restricted weapon carry.
 
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