Hi Tim and thank you for this excellent article - what a great read! I must have missed it the first time around. It is really a fascinating article and also to think how relatively late this lifestyle took place. I love how detailed the fighting tactics of the Kaman are described. I've been on the hunt for a similar description of tactics among the Dayak tribes of Borneo, but no luck so far.
Do you have any idea how the initial group of spearmen are chosen from each side? Do they pick their best warriors to begin with, and then substitute with lesser skilled men when some of the first are wounded? Does the chief himself ever fight?
Your axe looks great too! I really admire the high level of finish they seem to have. I'm wondering why they haven't equipped them with a more comfortable handle and a bulbous pommel to aid in retaining during fighting. Maybe the handles are designed for easy retrieval from the belt?
Thanks for sharing all of it - it was just super!
All the best, - Thor
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