Tim, .....Wow......zinc......Now that is significant
Zinc is used as a sacrifical anode..... when fixed /attached to iron or steel it helps PREVENT RUST. Due to electrolytic action the atoms of zinc 'sacrifice' themselves preventing the formation of iron oxide. The two metals have to be in contact. Lew mentioned the tang (iron/steel) passes through the pommel (zinc) therefor contact with each other is insured.
One question is ....was this effect 'learned' from outside Africa, or did they discover this themselves......or possibly...and highly unlikely (IMHO) that these two metals usage was just coincidental.
If this effect was known.....then you could summise that having a sword that 'does not rust' would be highly regarded ....perhaps even endowed with 'magical powers'.......bearing in mind the spiritual significance of blacksmiths and iron (in Africa) A substance that could 'protect' the revered iron..must have been seen as very 'powerful medicine'.