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From Africa to Quai Branly: Histories of the Collections

musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, photo Pauline Guyon

Sabre and scabbard of the king of Jimma

Ethiopia, Jimma
19th century
Gold, silver, leather
Gift of Jules Borelli
Paris, Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
Inv. 71.1890.28.104.1-2

Take a close look at the ornamental engraving on its blade, its gold and silver handle, and its scabbard decorated with gold plates. These demonstrate that this is a prestige weapon, produced by palace artisans, smiths and goldsmiths, working exclusively for the king. This sabre belonged to Abba Jiffar II, king of Jimma in Ethiopia between 1878 and 1932.

In the 19th century, Ethiopia was the only country that had managed to retain its independence from the European colonial powers. It was made up of several kingdoms, led by the kingdom of Shewa and its king Menelik II, who was crowned “King of Kings” of Ethiopia in 1889. The smaller kingdoms, such as Jimma kept their autonomy by paying tribute to the predominant kingdom..

This was the situation when Jules Borelli, a French explorer and geographer, travelled to Ethiopia. Entrusted with an official study and collection mission by the Ministry of State Education, he visited the kingdom of Jimma from 1887 to 1888. Thanks to his logbook, we can retrace his travels, observations, and encounters. We learn that it was in Jiren, where the royal palace was located, that he exchanged gifts with the king of Jimma, Abba Jiffar II. Among the other items he was given, Borelli also received this sabre. On his return to France in 1890, Borelli donated the objects he had received or acquired to the Musée d’Ethnographie du Trocadéro.

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