Billao Dagger from East Africa

The Billao (Some time called Belawa)  is a Somali  Dagger of characteristic asymmetrical leaf shaped blade  and horn or sometimes ivory handle  with pronged pommel (One or three prongs) and a leather or hide scabbard. The Billao was favored by the Dervish movement  that in the very end of the 19 C. attempted to establish a free state in Nugaal valley in east of today Somalia.

The Billao offered here is a good exemplar of classical asymmetrical but narrow blade with shallow central rib. Ivory handle with black horn and brass  separators , triple  pommel prongs of white colored metal, probably Aluminum. Leather and hide scabbard.

Blade 8  inches. Total length 15 1/2  inches. Very good condition. Authentic mid 20C. Billao