Short Sword, ol alem, seme, or sima
Maasai, Kenya
Iron, leather
Early 20th century

This type of sword, known as ol alem, seme, or sima, was worn by Maasai warriors (moran). Older examples such as this can be distinguished by the distinctive median ridge which runs the length of the blade.

Material objects of various types, particularly weaponry both offensive and defensive, provided the visual means of declaring identity and status within the Maasai age-grade clans.

When a young moran sheathed his sword for the first time, the sharp blade would cut the now redundant pieces of sinew which had been used to construct the sheath. The sword in its new sheath would be worn as a symbol of status on the right hip.

In general, there were many Maasai groups spread over a very large area, and there was no uniform perception of ‘Maasai society’ as a state. Such a view would be contrary to the ethos of East African pastoralism (Spring, African Arms and Armor, 1993; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

27.125 in :: 69 cm

InventoryID #13-2460

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