SWORD FOR DISCUSSION

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Iain, Brilliant maps ! I must say I didnt realise that the great slaver Tibbu Tip controlled such an enormous central area and apparently unlinked to any particular coast ~ In terms of the sword at #1 I think it wise to be cautious since nothing much can be attributed to its last known location since it could easily have travelled alone and unrelated to the facts on the ground.

(Actually am I right in thinking that we dont have a clue where this one turned up?) Somewhere between lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean(OR THE ATLANTIC?) may well not be accurate enough !!

Hi Ibrahiim,

Its a sword in Mandinka mounts and therefore there is very little reason if any to think it was collected somewhere else. No matter what the issue of kattaras, the sword that is the subject of this thread is clear in the ethnic group that mounted the blade, including hilt, leatherwork, pommel etc. Suggesting it turned up between lake Victoria and the East African coast is rather extreme extrapolation without a lot of cause.

Cheers,

Iain