The Mossi Cavalry Sword is a striking and historically significant weapon from West Africa, associated with the Mossi Kingdoms of modern-day Burkina Faso. Known for their skilled horsemen and formidable military organisation, the Mossi used these swords both as weapons of war and as powerful symbols of prestige and authority. Blending indigenous blacksmithing traditions with Islamic and Sahelian design influences, the Mossi cavalry sword represents a key artefact in understanding West African martial history.
Specifications
Feature
Details
Origin
Mossi Kingdoms, present-day Burkina Faso
Period
16th to 19th centuries
Type
Cavalry sword
Blade length
Typically 70–90 cm
Blade type
Straight or slightly curved, single-edged, often with central ridge
Material
Locally forged iron or steel
Hilt
Iron or brass guard with leather or fibre-wrapped grip
Pommel
Rounded or flared, sometimes decorated with geometric designs
Scabbard
Leather-covered wood, often adorned with metal bands or embossed patterns
Intended use
Cavalry combat, slashing and thrusting
Weight
Approximately 1–1.5 kg
History and Evolution
The Mossi kingdoms emerged around the 13th century and developed a strong martial culture centred on cavalry.
Swords were key status symbols for Mossi nobles and were carried by elite horsemen into battle.
Forging traditions evolved under the influence of trade with the Sahel and the Islamic world, adopting certain stylistic traits seen in Tuareg, Hausa, and Songhai weaponry.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Mossi smiths had refined the blade form to balance cutting efficiency with ceremonial value.
These swords remained in use through the colonial period, transitioning from battlefield weapons to symbols of chieftaincy and ritual power.
Advantages
Durable construction: Locally forged with robust steel suited to repeated combat use.
Versatility: Effective for both slashing and thrusting due to its moderate curvature and balanced weight.
Cavalry efficiency: Its reach and speed complemented the Mossi’s fast-moving mounted tactics.
Symbolic importance: Represented social hierarchy and was integral to royal ceremonies.
Disadvantages
Limited protection: Minimal hand guard left the wielder’s hand partially exposed.
Edge retention: Depending on the iron source, some blades dulled quickly compared to imported steel weapons.
Heavier balance: Some examples exhibit a forward weight bias, reducing fine control.
Decline with firearms: The rise of muskets and modern arms diminished the sword’s battlefield role by the late 19th century.
Comparison with Similar Weapons
Weapon
Region
Key Features
Comparison to Mossi Sword
Tuareg Takoba
Sahara and Sahel
Straight, double-edged blade with cruciform hilt
The Mossi sword is often single-edged and heavier, better suited to mounted slashing.
Hausa Sabre
Northern Nigeria
Curved blade, ornate brass fittings
The Mossi sword is plainer and more functional, with less decorative metalwork.
Songhai Sword
Mali/Niger
Straight, broad blade for cutting
The Mossi sword is typically more slender and balanced for cavalry manoeuvres.
Fulani Cavalry Sword
West Africa
Slim, curved sabre for mounted combat
The Mossi variant tends to have a shorter, sturdier build for close engagements.
Legacy
The Mossi cavalry sword remains a powerful cultural symbol in Burkina Faso, often featured in festivals, parades, and royal displays.
It represents the enduring martial heritage of the Mossi horsemen, who resisted both Sahelian empires and later French colonial forces.
Many modern reproductions are made by traditional smiths who continue to use centuries-old forging methods.
The sword is studied as part of a broader African metallurgy tradition, reflecting the advanced craftsmanship of Mossi blacksmith lineages.
Where to See
Location
Collection / Museum
Notes
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
National Museum of Burkina Faso
Several authentic Mossi cavalry swords and ceremonial blades.
Paris, France
Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
Holds examples collected during the French colonial period.
London, UK
British Museum (Africa Gallery)
Includes a Mossi sword with ornate brass fittings and leather scabbard.
Dakar, Senegal
IFAN Museum of African Arts
Exhibits comparative Sahelian and Mossi weaponry.
Collector’s Guide
Authenticity Markers
Hand-forged iron blade with visible hammer marks.
Leather wrapping often aged or patinated from long-term use.
Scabbards showing geometric embossing or plaited stitching.
Provenance or documentation, especially colonial-era acquisitions.
Typical Auction Prices
Condition
Estimated Price Range (GBP)
Notes
Museum-quality, documented provenance
£1,200 – £2,000
Rare, especially with matching scabbard.
Good condition, early 19th century
£600 – £1,000
Often traded through European ethnographic auctions.
Fair condition, late 19th century
£300 – £600
Commonly seen in private African weapon collections.
Replica or modern ceremonial
£100 – £250
Crafted by contemporary Mossi smiths for ritual use.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
The Mossi cavalry sword embodies both martial function and cultural identity. Forged for horsemen who once dominated the Sahel, it bridges warfare, craftsmanship, and ceremony. Today, it stands as a testament to West Africa’s deep metallurgical skill and enduring historical legacy, offering collectors and historians a tangible connection to the proud warrior traditions of the Mossi Kingdoms.
