djehoun

The djehoun is a type of short blade that has been traditionally used by several West African peoples, particularly among the Bambara of Mali and the Songhaï of the Sahel. It is a single‑edge, relatively sharp knife or dagger with a curved or slightly dihedral blade that typically ranges in length from 20 to 35 centimeters. The hilt is usually made from wood or animal horn and may include a simple cross‑guard or a small pommel, though many examples are unadorned.

Manufacture of a djehoun generally involves forging a flat steel or wrought iron strip, followed by forging or shaping the blade into its characteristic curvature. Skilled smiths often temper the blade by repeated heating and quenching, then polish it to a mirror finish. The handle is often wrapped in leather or corded fibers to improve grip, and the blade’s edge may be resharpened by travelers or military units that carried the weapon.

The weapon served several practical purposes: as a defensive tool, a utility knife for daily chores, and a ceremonial object. In many communities it was associated with warrior status or with tribal rites of passage; possessing a well‑crafted djehoun could signify membership in a particular group or rank within a local hierarchy. In some periods, the blade was also employed in ritual practices, such as in the removal of sacrificial offerings or in rites performed by priestly classes.

Trade of djehouns extended beyond local borders. As the trans‑Saharan trade networks grew, the blade was shipped to North African merchants and could even reach markets in the Middle East, where it was valued for its lightweight construction and ease of concealment. These exchanges helped disseminate both techniques for blade production and cultural meanings attached to the weapon.

Today, the djehoun is largely a historical artifact and a subject of anthropological study. Contemporary craft workshops in Mali and neighboring countries occasionally reproduce the blade for cultural preservation and as artistic commissions, though its usage as a functional weapon has largely faded.