These swords were forged via a distinctive process of blending various types of iron and then folding them together into delicate patterns, a method that created uniquely beautiful blades and has never been seen anywhere else in history.
ANSTOThe six Dahomey swords , or “ hwi , ” recently analyzed by ANSTO scientist .
Modern research show that swords forged in the West African Kingdom of Dahomey in the nineteenth century were made by local craftspeople and not imported from Europe , as some expert had speculated .
scientist from theAustralian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization(ANTSO ) discovered , following a non - trespassing multi - methodological analysis , that the Dahomey swords were in all probability made from topically smelted iron , contradicting the existing consensus among historians .
ANSTOThe six Dahomey swords, or “hwi,” recently analyzed by ANSTO scientists.
The effect of their research have now been published in the journalHeritage .
The Story Of The West African Kingdom Of Dahomey And Its Famous Mino Warriors
Public DomainDahomey female warrior , bed as the Mino , in the 1890s .
For roughly 300 old age starting in the early 1600s , the Kingdom of Dahomey stood in what is now southerly Benin . Dahomey rose to prominence throughout the 18th and 19th century specially , during which time it became a substantial regional power and a successful trade partner on the earth phase .
Dahomey ’s economy was heavily reliant on the Atlantic slave swap , with the realm capturing and deal enslaved somebody to European traders in rally for piece and other goods . Thus Dahomey society became hard militarized , and was particularly jazz for its elite female warrior known as the Mino .
Public DomainDahomey female warriors, known as the Mino, in the 1890s.
The Mino ( the Fon terminology word for “ our mother ” ) , also known as theDahomey Amazons , were an all - female military regiment that initially started as a corps of elephant hunters . Over time , however , and especially under the reign ofKing Ghezo(1818 - 1858 ) , they became a fearsome military force . The Mino were have it away for their stringent training , strong natural selection acquirement , and elite weapons handling . By the mid-19th century , they made up about a third of Dahomey ’s USA .
Public DomainDahomey Amazons in Paris , 1891 .
The Mino handle unique swords known as “ hwi , ” which featured intricate plan . Hwi were also used in various rituals and ceremonies that showcased their exemplary craftsmanship . And due to the kingdom ’s extensive trade with European country , many expert had erroneously credited the swords to European metalworker . The novel research , however , upends this mind and reveal just how skilled Dahomey craftspeople were .
Public DomainDahomey Amazons in Paris, 1891.
Inside The True Origins Of The Dahomey Swords
ANTSO scientist examined six Dahomey sword from 19th century using neutron imaging , powder diffraction , and diffraction residual strain measuring to bring out their constitution and manufacturing history .
Through these trial , investigator confirm that the steel were made by African John Smith and not imported from Europe . They were forged out of several different metal , based on analysis of crossbreed sections that break differences in the porousness of the metals used .
ANSTOAnalysis of the Dahomey blade revealed various regional styles .
ANSTOAnalysis of the Dahomey swords revealed various regional styles.
“ Importantly , the combining of neutron tomography images and neutron diffraction analytic thinking provide a riches of new brainwave into the manufacturing of African blade . In especial , it exuviate new light on African craftsmanship and technical mundaneness , ” said Dr. Floriana Salvemini , an expert in historic metallurgy .
base on the analysis , the blade demonstrate “ considerable variation ” in manufacturing , suggest that they were make via several unique processes , one not fancy elsewhere in earthly concern chronicle .
What the study did not happen , however , was the provenance of the metals used in the swords ’ building . It is possible that the metal , based on its composition , could have come from Bassar ( mod - day Togo ) , Sweden , the Ruhr Valley , or perhaps Brazil .
Regardless of where the metallic element add up from , though , the fact that the swords were made locally is a significant determination . For many years , these remarkable swords had been improperly impute to European Smith , but this Modern enquiry helps to reclaim this piece of West African chronicle and dispute the coarse narrative , giving right citation where it is due .
After read about this raw analysis of the Dahomey swords , instruct about the fascinating chronicle of theshotel sword . Then , read about the deadly , all - powerfulUlfberht swordswielded by the Vikings .
