I have also noticed that apparent original Bishop in Senterej. But, like
Ivan Derzhanski, I agree that this is apparent only.
The Senterej move is most likely the regular Shatranj rule. I remember
that in Murray's you can find several other examples where the old
'Alfil' is given an aslant '3 steps' move.
Since, there is no other Senetrej source confirming your 'Saba' move, we
better be careful.
Of course, you may argue that we don't have the proof either that the
Alfil in Senterej was exactly like in Shatranj.
True, but it is not the right way to make History. We should explain and
select the most probable version with all elements we have. And the
regular Shatranj move is the most probable, just for what Ivan explained,
and because the tight relationships between Arabs and this African region
in history (slave trade for instance).
The very original feature of Senterej is the mobilization phase(Werera),
which is a local evolution of the Ta'biya process invented by the Arabs
to speed up the old game (other example is found in Burma, see
http://www.chez.com/cazaux/sittuyin.htm)
I think that this page desserves a re-writing. I do not like the idea to
let people think that a different move existed somewhere, here in
Ethiopia.
It is just the too much frequent process for which legend is transformed
into history.
Regarding Chess Variants, we have a responsability here. Please, amend
this text, put all necessary caution, don't let uniniated people believe
that this move existed in Ethiopia. I know it is frustating but we don't
have the right to call that faeric piece a Saba.
