SWORD FOR DISCUSSION

[Gavin Nugent]

Hi Darren.

This is an interesting and complete sword and the pipe back is certainly a twist being EU in origin but the sword style overall taking the form of the much discussed Kattara.

What is the white coloured binding around the ribbing? Is it coloured leather?

Originally Posted by Iain

There have been some theories about the type possibly being related to Omani saifs and kattaras spread by Arab traders. I am personally not entirely convinced of this.

Slave trading is a sensitive topic but one most are versed to some degree in when researching the history of weapons.
Looking at the very long history of Arab/African slavery, right up until very modern times I see the influence of these traders leaving such residue in Mandingo weapons. Many Africans took part in these trades so it seems likely also weapons of those they interacted with stayed behind.

I have lost track of edged weapons types from other regions in Mandingo dress. It seem they loved all sorts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_slave_trade
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_slavery

Gavin