Code: AC1
This Abyssinian shotel, originating from what is now called Ethiopia, is a well-forged, double-sided sword 31 1/4 inches in length with a 27 inch curved blade. The blade is flat with diamond cross-section. The hilt is wooden with a copper disk at the pommel. The typically-colored red leather scabbard has decorative designs from top to bottom on both sides and is in good condition.
The shotel looks very much like a scimitar, but the curve of the blade is nearly a half circle. The Abyssinian warrior would fight from behind large, circular leather shields. The Abyssinians did not use “fencing” swordplay techniques; the Shotel was not primarily intended to slice or cut. Rather, the purpose of this awkward blade is to strike over or around the shield of an adversary, delivering a hooking stab to vital areas such as the kidneys or lungs. A fight between two swordsmen armed with shotels was a strange affair involving hopping to the side rather than lunge and parry.
Painting of Dejazmach Hailu, governer of Hamasien in the Asmara region, armed with a shotel.
Dejazmach Hailu held office during the reign of Emperor Tewodros II (1855-68)
The shotel dates from medieval times and withstood the wave of western influence through the 19th century. It is believed to be a direct descendent of the khopsh (Flachion, Kopesh).
In some countries, Ethiopia is still called by names consonant with “Abyssinia”, for example, the Arabic “Al Habesh”, meaning land of the Habesha people. The term Habesha refers only to the Amhara and Tigray-Tigrinya people who have dominated the politics of modern Ethiopia, nevertheless, it is used for the country overall. Abyssinia was overtaken in the expansion of the Egyptians and some of the European powers, specifically France, Italy and Britain. The Abyssinians invaded the Sudan and pushed into present-day Eritrea until mid-20th century when European interests dominated the region.