Masai Spear and Sword

colin henshaw · 12th May 2017, 08:27 AM

As far as I know, the seme blade being hand-forged with a mid-rib, is not in itself an indicator of age. Flat sheet steel blades for semes, pangas etc have been in use for quite a long time. I saw myself the Masai in Kenya carrying spears, bows & arrows etc., when guarding their cattle in the late 1970s early 1980s. Probably they still do. They are also made for the tourist trade.

I remember seeing Masai men buying new spear points and shoes (hand-forged) from a small Indian duka (shop) !

I am judging the items from their whole appearance when assigning a date range, but could be wrong of course...

Regards.

12th May 2017, 08:27 AM	#10
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	As far as I know, the seme blade being hand-forged with a mid-rib, is not in itself an indicator of age. Flat sheet steel blades for semes, pangas etc have been in use for quite a long time. I saw myself the Masai in Kenya carrying spears, bows & arrows etc., when guarding their cattle in the late 1970s early 1980s. Probably they still do. They are also made for the tourist trade. I remember seeing Masai men buying new spear points and shoes (hand-forged) from a small Indian duka (shop) ! I am judging the items from their whole appearance when assigning a date range, but could be wrong of course... Regards.