A Maasai Bowie Knife?

[Ian]

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.

[wildwolberine]

Sharing my two Maasai rungu. There was a discussion of these on the forums a few years ago. I’ve owned a few over the years. I try to acquire any that are legitimate burl/root ball examples or don’t violate the grain. The darker club is very similar to yours!

[Sajen]

Here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...highlight=seme an interesting thread about the age of seme swords, also regarding middle rib on the blade.