African Billao (billaawe) knife with scabbard. From Somalia. Early/mid 20th century.

African Billao (billaawe) knife with scabbard. From Somalia. Early/mid 20th century.

Billao (or Billaawe) is a Somali dagger with a characteristic asymmetrical blade form, toothed pommel with one or three spikes and leather or skin scabbard. The handle is built up of alternating red and clear discs, separated by brass bands, with a three-pronged brass pommel and central copper stop. The asymmetrical steel blade has geometric engraving along the ribs. Original leather scabbard with engraved decoration and metal fittings.

Provenance: nurse active in Africa in the 1950s.

Measurements: TL: ca. 26,4 cm. BL: 13,7 cm. Stand: see photos.