Ethiopian Knife or Sword with Sheath MATTER COLLECTION
Width: 2.5
Depth: 1.5
Description
Ethiopian Shotel-Type Curved Sword with Leather Sheath with a hand-forged blade.
Traditional Ethiopian curved sword of shotel form, featuring a deeply arched, hand-forged iron blade with visible hammering and age patina. The hilt is carved in a classic cylindrical “spool” shape, with flared disc pommel and guard—an iconic construction associated with Ethiopian edged weapons.
The sword is accompanied by its original leather sheath, carefully stitched and shaped to follow the dramatic curve of the blade. Remnants of leather suspension straps remain attached, indicating it was once worn as part of traditional attire.
Shotel blades were historically associated with warriors and nobility in Ethiopia, valued both for their distinctive form and symbolic presence. This example, with its smaller scale, may represent a shortened or ceremonial variant.
Provenance: Matter Collection
From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.
Height (In) 15.0
Width (In) 2.5
Depth (In) 1.5
154560
Approximate Age: Mid 20th Century
People: Ethiopian
Country of Origin: Ethiopia
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.