Kattara

Jim McDougall · 13th October 2008, 10:03 PM

Excellent photo!!! and outstanding provenance. This is a classic example of these distinct Omani broadswords and their diffusion not only into Africa's interior, but into the confluence of trade routes which in earlier years carried them across the Sahara. I always have considered that the guardless sabres of the Manding in Mali may have the influence of these Omani broadswords. The guardless hilt of the Maasai 'seme' also presents the possibility of this source in my opinion.

Thank you for posting this great photo! What an excellent display accent for a grouping of these weapons.

Best regards,
Jim

13th October 2008, 10:03 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Excellent photo!!! and outstanding provenance. This is a classic example of these distinct Omani broadswords and their diffusion not only into Africa's interior, but into the confluence of trade routes which in earlier years carried them across the Sahara. I always have considered that the guardless sabres of the Manding in Mali may have the influence of these Omani broadswords. The guardless hilt of the Maasai 'seme' also presents the possibility of this source in my opinion. Thank you for posting this great photo! What an excellent display accent for a grouping of these weapons. Best regards, Jim