Dambe, a possible window into ancient boxing?

Dambe is a combat sport practiced by the Hausa people and in Nigeria.

The fighters have the lead hand bare, the shield, and the rear hand, the spear, wrapped somewhat resembling an early cestus. It's been said the stances also have some similarities with art work of ancient boxing, though I'd need to see more of each to comment on the truth of that, as the stances in both are pretty varried.

Boxing was widespread with depictions dating from the bronze age through to early late antiquity in the latter years of the Roman empire. It was spread upon many, and also took place in Anatolia, Rome and Egypt, so I think a link is plausible, though I'm not aware of any strong evidence. I will say I don't know much of the history of Dambe, or Dambe in general, but I think it's perhaps an avenue worth exploring, as there's enough similar to ancient boxing that it likely gives some insight (though there's certainly major differences, and ancient boxing itself was not just one thing).

Obviously one shouldn't make the mistake of thinking ancient boxing and Dambe are the same, there are major differences, like with only one hand being covered, and the structure of fights

Here's a Vice doc on it

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There's some of it on YouTube.

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