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, 28 Inches long, (point to point) with a central fullers. The hilt is made of three sectors of horn, the two upper sectors are probably rhino horn. The scabbard is tooled leather. Total length 34 inches. It is probably dated to the late 19th C. Very good condition. Minor pitted spots on the. Minor losses to the scabbard leather.