A Maasai Bowie Knife?

Ian · 31st December 2023, 12:58 PM

Hi Pitt1999,

It's my understanding that the ones with a medial ridge are a more traditional and older form of the seme than the flat-bladed forms. That would fit with your estimates of age.

Some of the flat-bladed forms were made from imported British or German machetes, probably post-1900, while others were no doubt made locally (judging from their relatively crude forging). Again, this would fit with your age estimates.

The clipped point blade is a distinct oddity. It might be a rework of a broken/damaged blade, or one that had a forging flaw which needed to be removed. I've not seen a similar blade on a seme knife.

31st December 2023, 12:58 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,453	Hi Pitt1999, It's my understanding that the ones with a medial ridge are a more traditional and older form of the seme than the flat-bladed forms. That would fit with your estimates of age. Some of the flat-bladed forms were made from imported British or German machetes, probably post-1900, while others were no doubt made locally (judging from their relatively crude forging). Again, this would fit with your age estimates. The clipped point blade is a distinct oddity. It might be a rework of a broken/damaged blade, or one that had a forging flaw which needed to be removed. I've not seen a similar blade on a seme knife.