Flyssa sword

First half 19th century

Overall length
75 cm, blade is 60cm

Materials
steel, brass, wood

Origin
Kabyle, Algeria

Dating
19th century

Provenance
French art market

The flyssa is the traditional sword of the Kabyle people from Northern Algeria. The name 'Flyssa' is derived from the Iflissen Lebhar tribe. It's origins are unclear but the sword was designed to pierce chainmail armor and allows both thrusting and slashing. Our item is a short but heavy version with a broad blade that is bilaterally decorated with brass inlay zigzag patterns resembling a snake. It is suggested that these motifs act as an amulet to keep away the evil eye. The animal-head shaped grip is composed of two wooden slaps instead of the more common brass panels. The earliest documented flyssa is in the Real Armeria, Madrid and was a doplomatic gift in 1827. This example is in very good condition. No scabbard.

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