Traditional Knives of Africa

Ancient designs remain unchanged

the capital. The Ovambo are of the Bantu-speaking peoples, and migrated from East Africa during the 16th century. They comprise eight different tribes, all of which speak their own Oshivambo dialect. Traditionally, the Ovambo are small-scale farmers. In the relatively fertile soils of the north, they mainly grow maize, sorghum, millet, pumpkins, beans and melons. They also keep cattle and goats. The work in the fields is done by the women, while the men look after the livestock. They are skilled sculptors in wood and their wonderfully creative carvings are highly sought-after by tourists.

A tourist can buy a new ‘tourist trade’ ndoro knife at any one of the multiple points of sale along the roads or in the towns. However, to obtain one that is in daily use by its owner takes bargaining. To the best of my knowledge, these knives have no additional value to the owner other than as a working tool. I have seen examples ranging in size from tiny to a metre in length, possibly even longer. The one I possess (see opening page) is almost 500mm long overall. The blades are fashioned mostly from scrap iron as steel is too difficult to forge without proper equipment. Final shaping and sharpening of the double-edged blade is done on sandstone which is quite abrasive and, when water is applied, can hone a blade to razor sharpness. Ndoro blades are always double-edged with sharp points, rendering them formidable stabbing weapons. The sheath is made from a solid piece of soft wood and

Upon their graduation into manhood, each boy receives his own individual ol alem or seme

the blade is burned into the wood, just as the tang is burned into the wooden handle. The inward side of the sheath is flat but for a raised section with a hole through it to accept a thong for attaching to a belt. Openings or windows are cut into the displayed side of the sheath, presumably for decoration. Then patterns are burned onto the displayed side, and the knife is ready for wear and use by the proud owner. It is illegal to take a handgun into Namibia, so I always take my ndoro as the next best thing.

IN TANZANIA AND Kenya, the seme or lion sword is the constant sidearm of the Masai and Kikuyu. Masai men are divided into age groups that determine their status, each age group set apart by a distinctive style of weaponry. When aged between 15 and 21, Masai youths (called layok) are initiated into the status of young manhood (called moran), at which stage they are first allowed to wear swords. Upon their graduation into manhood, each boy receives his own individual ol alem or seme, something like the Roman short-sword. The seme (aka sime )is the constant sidearm of the proud and noble Masai man. It is light in weight, with a double-edged, leaf-shaped blade made from spring steel. The Masai use it for multiple tasks: clearing bush, butchering cattle, peeling fruit, and for self-defence when necessary. The blade starts out narrow at the hilt, growing wider before narrowing to a rounded end. It is not designed for stabbing, but is a formidable hacker and slasher. The scabbard is made of wood covered with rawhide and dyed red. Red is an important colour to the Masai warriors, as it symbolizes blood and bravery. Masai warriors often wear red togas as they believe this will protect them against wild animals.