A Bilao from Somalia - SOLD

A Belawa or Billaawe dagger from Somalia. The provenance suggesting a date no later than c. 1940. The asymmetrical, double-edged blade appears to have been forged from an old file or rasp, and has a central rib running down each side. Both these features suggest that this is an older example, dating from the late 19th or early 20th century.
 
The horn handle shows some age-related scratches, small cracks, and slight worm damage, but is otherwise still in sound condition. The staining visble in one corner of the handle in the photos is rather less obvious in reality. The three-pronged iron pommel cap does show some movement from side-to-side, but otherwise the entire assembly is tight and secure. The blade is heavily corroded, however.
 
Blade length: 21.5 cm
Overall length: 37 cm
Late 19th - early 20th century