Billao

Billao
A billao shortsword.
Type	Shortsword
Place of origin	Horn of Africa
Service history
Used by	Somali
Wars	Dervish resistance (1896–1920)
Specifications
Weight	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 (Somali: billaawe), 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.

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. Though other horn types are also used, the handle is typically made from the horn of buffalo. In total, the dagger is 17¼" long. The sheath is made of sheepskin, and the sword is worn on a belt around the waist.

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