The Shotel is the traditional sword of the Abyssinian (Ethiopia). It looks like a huge sickle, with a long blade deeply curved almost to half circle. The purpose of this very awkward blade is to strike over or around the shield of an opponent. This one has a finely forged blade, 31 ½ Inches long, (point to point) with a central rib on its entire length. The hilt is made of three sectors of horn, two sectors of black horn and the central sector of a honey colored horn. The scabbard is tooled leather and comes with the original leather belt. Total length 37 inches. It is probably dated to the late 19th C. Very good condition. Minor pitted spots on the blade near the tip. Minor losses to the scabbard leather.