Billao
| Billao | |
|---|---|
 A billao shortsword. | |
| Type | Shortsword |
| Place of origin | Horn of Africa |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Somali |
| Wars | Dervish resistance (1896–1920) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 9.0 oz |
| Length | 17" to 25" |
| Width | 2½" (blade) |
| Blade type | iron or steel; pointed, double-edged |
| Hilt type | horn |
| Scabbard/sheath | sheepskin |
A billao (Template:Lang-so), also known as a belawa, is a horn-hilted Somali shortsword. It served most notably as a close-quarters weapon in the Dervish State, at the turn of the 20th century.
Features
The dagger has a double-edged, leaf-shaped, asymmetrical blade and a three-pronged pommel. One-pronged pommels with the metal tang protruding out from the center of the hilt have been reported. Together, the grip and pommel are 6¾" in circumference. The billao's blade is made of iron or steel, and is 10½" long and 2½" wide.[1][2] Though other horn types are also used, the handle is typically made from the horn of buffalo.[3] In total, the dagger is 17¼" long.[1] The sheath is made of sheepskin, and the sword is worn on a belt around the waist.[3]
It is said to have originated in the Togdheer, Cayn and Sool regions of present day Somaliland