Tigray Sword and Scabbard
Ethiopia
A sword and scabbard constructed along a longitudinal axis, the form organised through a tapering steel blade housed within a fitted leather scabbard with metal mounts.
Description
The blade extends from a broad shoulder into a narrowing point, with engraved linear patterning distributed continuously across both faces. A central inscriptional field identifies Dejazmatch Gebre Selassie, Tigrean nobleman of Adwa and governor, with reference to the Menelik II dynasty. The hilt is formed from horn, terminating in a flared pommel with silver and alloy mounts. The leather scabbard follows the blade profile closely, fitted with engraved metal elements at the throat and lower terminal.
Surface is compact and stable. Patina is retained across metal elements; oxidation concentrated within engraved fields; leather surface intact.
Context
Among the Tigrean nobility, swords of this type functioned within military and ceremonial structures associated with rank and governance.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ethiopia, 1982.
Details
- Title
- Tigray Sword and Scabbard
- Culture
- Tigray
- Origin
- Ethiopia
- Date
- 17th–19th century
- Dimensions
- H 83 cm (32.7 in)
- Medium
- Steel, silver, alloy, horn, leather
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ethiopia, 1982.
- Condition
- Stable patina; engraved decoration retained; scabbard and mounts intact.
