What an interesting post and kaskara Joe!
I had never been aware of giraffes being hunted with kaskara, not being especially familiar with big game hunting in the first place. It does appear that the regions of S. Sudan and into Ethiopian regions of course were well exposed to the kaskara.
I once knew a gentleman from Eritrea who was Beja, and shared with me videos of his tribal group doing ceremonial dances with kaskara.
I think Ed has put together the most comprehensive and insightful material on the kaskara's history and construction, including into modern times that is known on these swords.
With ethnographic weapons, as in these cases, they need not be 'old' to be collectible and fascinating. It has always amazed me that edged weapons remained in use in native contexts well through the 20th century.
As Ed suggested, I use a lanolin based oil for restoring dried out leather (the same as I use on my old bomber jacket) and it is amazing to see the results.
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