Short sword - Kenya (No reserve price)
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€ 1
No reserve price
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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This Kenyan Maasai or Kikuyu seme short sword, dating from 1950–1960, has an iron blade, a wood and rawhide handle, and a red-dyed rawhide scabbard.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A traditional Maasai / Kikuyu Seme Short Sword with Red-Dyed Rawhide Scabbard
East Africa (Kenya / Tanzania), Mid / Late 20th Century
Traditional East African Short Sword (Seme / Ol Alem / Simi) from the Maasai or Kikuyu people, Kenya / Tanzania made of forged steel, wood, rawhide, natural red ochre pigment and sinew/fiber stitching.
An authentic, field-used East African seme short sword complete with its original wood-lined rawhide scabbard. Among the Maasai and neighboring Kikuyu peoples, the seme is presented to young men upon entering warrior (moran) status and serves both as an emblem of manhood and an everyday utility and defensive blade.
Total length (in scabbard): 39 cm
Sword length: 34.5 cm
Blade length: 22 cm
Weight: 230 g
Blade: Hand-forged, double-edged spatulate (leaf-shaped) steel blade.
Hilt: Carved wooden grip tightly wrapped in cured rawhide, hand-stitched along the underside with natural fiber/sinew and darkened from genuine handling wear.
Scabbard: Constructed with a two-piece carved wooden core encased in rawhide stained with traditional red ochre. Features a stitched central seam on the front and a pinched tip reinforcing the wooden point.
Good, honest ethnographic condition consistent with age and practical use. The blade exhibits surface rust along the beveled edges and sharpening scratches; the rawhide handle and scabbard remain structurally sound with natural shrinkage, dry patina, and minor wear to the ochre finish.
For a good impression, please watch all photos carefully.
Insured shipping.
Can also be collected in Ghent, Belgium.
A traditional Maasai / Kikuyu Seme Short Sword with Red-Dyed Rawhide Scabbard
East Africa (Kenya / Tanzania), Mid / Late 20th Century
Traditional East African Short Sword (Seme / Ol Alem / Simi) from the Maasai or Kikuyu people, Kenya / Tanzania made of forged steel, wood, rawhide, natural red ochre pigment and sinew/fiber stitching.
An authentic, field-used East African seme short sword complete with its original wood-lined rawhide scabbard. Among the Maasai and neighboring Kikuyu peoples, the seme is presented to young men upon entering warrior (moran) status and serves both as an emblem of manhood and an everyday utility and defensive blade.
Total length (in scabbard): 39 cm
Sword length: 34.5 cm
Blade length: 22 cm
Weight: 230 g
Blade: Hand-forged, double-edged spatulate (leaf-shaped) steel blade.
Hilt: Carved wooden grip tightly wrapped in cured rawhide, hand-stitched along the underside with natural fiber/sinew and darkened from genuine handling wear.
Scabbard: Constructed with a two-piece carved wooden core encased in rawhide stained with traditional red ochre. Features a stitched central seam on the front and a pinched tip reinforcing the wooden point.
Good, honest ethnographic condition consistent with age and practical use. The blade exhibits surface rust along the beveled edges and sharpening scratches; the rawhide handle and scabbard remain structurally sound with natural shrinkage, dry patina, and minor wear to the ochre finish.
For a good impression, please watch all photos carefully.
Insured shipping.
Can also be collected in Ghent, Belgium.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Kenya
Material
Rawhide, Iron (cast/wrought), Wood
Condition
Good
Height
39 cm
Width
6 cm
Accessories Included
Scabbard
Depth
2 cm
Overall Length
39 cm
Estimated period
1950-1960
Sold by
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
