Introductory post: I know nothing, pleas help!

Jim McDougall · 19th February 2014, 04:03 PM

Hi Alexandra,
I would like to welcome you as well, and thank you for your courteous and wonderfully explained query and photos. As Tim has noted these are indeed from Kenya and recall the spears and swords of the Maasai warriors and artwork on their shields.
While these and many items are of course modern made souvenier items, they are often produced by native artisans following traditions and heritage extending long into their tribal histories. In most cases with ethnographic weapon forms, many of them are essentially 'current history' as in many cultures the weapons still are worn as elements of costume or accessory in accord with these traditions.

In many cases those of us here who are investigating and classifying various examples of these kinds of weapons will find clues and important data with contemporary material culture items. It is important for us to learn more on the traditions, religion, superstitions, and all aspects of these cultures in order to better understand the weapons and those who used them.

Please remember that an item of weaponry need not necessarily be 'old' to be important ethnographically.
Thank you again for joining us here.

Very best regards,
Jim

19th February 2014, 04:03 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	Hi Alexandra, I would like to welcome you as well, and thank you for your courteous and wonderfully explained query and photos. As Tim has noted these are indeed from Kenya and recall the spears and swords of the Maasai warriors and artwork on their shields. While these and many items are of course modern made souvenier items, they are often produced by native artisans following traditions and heritage extending long into their tribal histories. In most cases with ethnographic weapon forms, many of them are essentially 'current history' as in many cultures the weapons still are worn as elements of costume or accessory in accord with these traditions. In many cases those of us here who are investigating and classifying various examples of these kinds of weapons will find clues and important data with contemporary material culture items. It is important for us to learn more on the traditions, religion, superstitions, and all aspects of these cultures in order to better understand the weapons and those who used them. Please remember that an item of weaponry need not necessarily be 'old' to be important ethnographically. Thank you again for joining us here. Very best regards, Jim