Billao
| Billao | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Information | |
| Weapon type: | Short sword, dagger |
| Designations: | Xiphos |
| Use: | Military weapon |
| Region of origin / author: |
Somalia |
| Distribution: | Somalia |
| Overall length: | 70-75 cm |
| Blade length: | 60 cm |
| Material: | Iron, wood |
| Handle: | Wood / horn |
| Lists on the subject | |
The Billao , also known as Belawa , is a Somali short sword or dagger.
description
The Billao has a double-edged iron blade and a trapezoidal pommel . The pommel is usually made of buffalo horn. The dagger is carried in a sheepskin sheath on the hip with a belt.
The Billao is available as both a dagger and a short sword (illustration shows the short sword). The dagger is asymmetrical and has a leaf-shaped blade.
history
In Somalia this dagger is mainly used by dervishes and distinguished itself during the dervish uprising between 1896 and 1920. The Billao is still worn today.