Maasai Seme

Jim McDougall · 1st March 2007, 01:07 AM

Hi RomaRana,
Thank you very much for the most interesting data on the use of red coloring on these scabbards. I had previously wondered about the significance of red used on various weapons in various cultures, and earlier attempts at discussing produced little information, so I very much appreciate the detail you have added here. It seems material I have seen does not present much detail on this aspect of the Maasai weapons, and I look forward to hearing more on your theory.
Very best regards,
Jim

Emanuel · 1st March 2007, 01:32 AM

RomaRana,
Many thanks for the extensive info. While I had understood that the long, slender ribbed blades where of an older, forged type, I had the impression that fully red hide indicated newer work than the brown hides. Good to hear that both were used at earlier dates.

I wonder about the current Maasai culture. Do they still have any conceivable need for the long fighting blades? The machete types are purely tools and for cutting vegetation I imagine, while spears are for keeping away any dangerous animals, no?

Regards,
Emanuel

1st March 2007, 01:07 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	Hi RomaRana, Thank you very much for the most interesting data on the use of red coloring on these scabbards. I had previously wondered about the significance of red used on various weapons in various cultures, and earlier attempts at discussing produced little information, so I very much appreciate the detail you have added here. It seems material I have seen does not present much detail on this aspect of the Maasai weapons, and I look forward to hearing more on your theory. Very best regards, Jim

1st March 2007, 01:32 AM	#2
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	RomaRana, Many thanks for the extensive info. While I had understood that the long, slender ribbed blades where of an older, forged type, I had the impression that fully red hide indicated newer work than the brown hides. Good to hear that both were used at earlier dates. I wonder about the current Maasai culture. Do they still have any conceivable need for the long fighting blades? The machete types are purely tools and for cutting vegetation I imagine, while spears are for keeping away any dangerous animals, no? Regards, Emanuel