It served most notably as a close-quarters weapon in the Dervish State, at the turn of the 20th century.

The billao has a double-edged, leaf-shaped, asymmetrical blade and a three-pronged pommel.

One-pronged pommels with the metal tang protruding out from the center of the hilt have been reported.

[1] The sheath is made of sheepskin, and the sword is worn on a belt around the waist.

[3] It is said to have originated in the Togdheer, Cayn and Sool occupied regions of present-day Somaliland