souba

Souba is a term used in several languages to denote different things, but it is most widely identified as a traditional weapon from parts of West and Central Africa. The souba refers to a long, broad-bladed knife or short sword that has been used for cutting tasks, clearing brush, hunting, and in some cases combat. The blade forms vary by region, ranging from straight to slightly curved, with a simple wooden or horn grip and, in many cases, a sheath. In ethnographic and historical accounts, the souba is associated with practical utility as well as ceremonial significance, and it appears in artworks and regalia as a symbol of status or prowess.

In addition to its use as a weapon, Souba is also found as a surname among some communities and as a place name in various African and non-African locales, reflecting linguistic migrations and colonial-era mappings. Modern references to souba blades appear in museums, collections, and literature on African arms, where they are studied for metallurgy, craftsmanship, and cultural meaning.