Nigerian Double Edged Short Sword

*Editor's Note: This sword is remarkably similar to the Roman Gladius. Given the Roman Empire's long shadow and penetration into sub Saharan Africa I speculate that this sword may be a direct descendant of that sword type. A similar example can be seen in some African throwing spears - for example the Massai throwing spear - bearing incredible likeness to the Roman pilum.

Date: 19th century

Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin

Culture: Edo peoples

Medium: Iron

Dimensions: Length 28-3/4 in.

Classification: Metal-Implements

Credit Line: Gift of Claire E. Mebel and Frederick R. Mebel, 1992

Accession Number: 1992.394

Source: metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/316755?rpp=60&pg=1&rndkey=20131117&ao=on&ft=*&what=Edged+weapons&pos=59