RomaRana,
Many thanks for the extensive info. While I had understood that the long, slender ribbed blades where of an older, forged type, I had the impression that fully red hide indicated newer work than the brown hides. Good to hear that both were used at earlier dates.
I wonder about the current Maasai culture. Do they still have any conceivable need for the long fighting blades? The machete types are purely tools and for cutting vegetation I imagine, while spears are for keeping away any dangerous animals, no?
Regards,
Emanuel
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