So, I've decided to dig a little deeper into the history of medieval Ethiopia, and while there is plenty of interest, there is one thing that puzzles me. I've often seen the curved shotel described as the typical Ethiopian sword, but this does not seem to be borne out iconographically. Consider these representations of archangels, from the late-15th to late-17th centuries:
http://art.thewalters.org/detail/5751/diptych...d-a-saint/
http://art.thewalters.org/detail/6357/icon-of...th-angels/
http://art.thewalters.org/detail/23397//
http://art.thewalters.org/detail/24629//

Now, a few observations:
Iconography of this type is, obviously, not meant to reflect reality in perfect facsimile. However, what detail comes through shows the use, exclusively, of straight swords. The langets on the swords in the first three images, bring to mind the Sudanese kaskara and, given the mutual borders of the Empire of Ethiopia and the kingdoms which would form modern Sudan, such similar weapons would be expected.

The patterning on the pommels of the swords is also interesting, and makes me wonder if they, like those of some kaskara, would be made of organic material as well as metal.

Does anyone have any better information than what I've been able to infer from a few icons and some educated guesses?

An interesting topic. Straight bladed swords in the Mamluk style seem to have been used. Here's an image taken from a tourist's blog showing a Coptic priest exhibiting a supposedly very old king's sword.

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The hilt styling is a close match to other Mamluk swords such as the example below, originally sold at Christies for a very large sum!

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