Guys, I just wanted to thank you both so much for all this material, illustrations, examples you have both provided. Changdao, your specialized and comprehensive knowledge of these tribal peoples and their history is phenomenal, and Yuri your research skills are well shown in augmenting detail.
This is exactly the kinds of results I have always been so grateful to see here on these pages, as it is all focused on the discussion of a weapon form or its associated contexts, and to learn from them.
Truly brilliant! I have had my single example of the Mandinka saber for decades, and never knew much about it as little was ever covered on them in the circulating references.
It is a mystery no more!!!
Thank you again,
Jim