Billao

{{For|the VDC in Nepal|Belawa}} {{Infobox weapon | name = Billao | image = Somalia-Sword.jpg | image_size = 40 | caption = A ''billao'' shortsword. | origin = Horn of Africa | type = Shortsword or long dagger  | is_ranged = | is_bladed = Yes | is_explosive = | is_artillery = | is_vehicle = | is_missile = | is_UK =  | service = | used_by = Somali | wars = Dervish resistance (1896–1920)  | designer = | design_date = | manufacturer = | unit_cost = | production_date = | number = | variants =  | spec_label = | weight = {{convert|9|oz|g|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|17|to|25|in|cm|abbr=on}} | part_length = | width = ({{convert|2.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} (blade) | height = | diameter = | crew =  | cartridge = | cartridge_weight = | caliber = | barrels = | action = | rate = | velocity = | range = | max_range = | feed = | sights =  | breech = | recoil = | carriage = | elevation = | traverse =  | blade_type = iron or steel; pointed, double-edged | hilt_type = horn | sheath_type = sheepskin | head_type = | haft_type =  | filling = | filling_weight = | detonation = | yield =  | armour = | primary_armament = | secondary_armament = | engine = | engine_power = | pw_ratio = | transmission = | payload_capacity = | suspension = | clearance = | fuel_capacity = | vehicle_range = | speed = | guidance = | steering =  | wingspan = | propellant = | ceiling = | altitude = | depth = | boost = | accuracy = | launch_platform = | transport = }}

A '''billao''' ({{langx|so|billaawe}}), also known as a '''bilaawe''', is a horn-hilted Somali shortsword or long dagger depending on blade length. It served most notably as a close-quarters weapon in the Dervish State, at the turn of the 20th century, as well as Northern Sultanates around that same time period.

==Features== The billao 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 {{convert|6.75|in|cm|abbr=on}} in circumference. The billao's blade is made of iron or steel, and is {{convert|10.5|in|cm|abbr=on}}" long and {{convert|2.5|in|cm|abbr=on}}" wide.<ref name="Therion">[https://www.therionarms.com/sold/therionarms_c421.html Somali billao with sheath and belt]</ref><ref name="TherionArms">[https://therionarms.com/sold/therionarms_c674.html Somali billao short sword]</ref> Though other horn types are also used, the handle is typically made from the horn of buffalo.<ref name="Warrior">[http://forensicfashion.com/1900SomaliWarrior.html Somali warrior]</ref> In total, the dagger is {{convert|17.25|in|cm|abbr=on}} long.<ref name="Therion"/> The sheath is made of sheepskin, and the sword is worn on a belt around the waist.<ref name="Warrior"/>

It is said to have originated in the Togdheer and Sool regions of present-day Somaliland.

==See also== *Qolxad, the traditional Somali and Afar dagger *List of swords

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * [http://forensicfashion.com/1900SomaliWarrior.html Somali warrior]

Category:Edged and bladed weapons Category:African swords Category:Weapons of Somalia Category:Culture of Somalia Category:Somali inventions