Vintage Maasai Seme (Lion's Sword) in Leather Sheath.

The seme, also known as the lion's sword, is the traditional sidearm carried by Maasai men. This lightweight, short sword features a double-edged, leaf-shaped blade, often crafted from durable spring steel. Versatile and practical, the seme serves a wide range of purposes in Maasai daily life, from clearing brush and butchering cattle to peeling fruit. It also acts as a tool for self-defense.

Among the Maasai, men are grouped by age into social categories, each defined by its own distinctive weaponry. Boys, known as layok, are initiated into young manhood (moran) between the ages of 15 and 21. This rite of passage marks the first time they are permitted to carry a sword like the seme.

This particular example showcases a 39cm, sharply pointed, stiff leaf-shaped blade, broad and weighted toward the tip, an effective design for cutting. The handle is wood, wrapped in cord and covered in leather for a secure grip.

The accompanying scabbard is made from ox hide stretched over thin wooden slats, a result of a complex and skilled process. To make a sheath, a craftsman would work with the client, bringing along the sword and two wooden splints to form the sheath's frame. The ox hide would first be soaked in water. Meanwhile, the wooden splints were shaped to leave a slight lip at the sheath's opening and tapered toward the tip. Sinew thread was used to secure the structure, binding a strip of leather to create an eyelet for the sword belt. The thread was wrapped and knotted along the sheath, reinforcing its shape and functionality.

The blade bears forging flaws, pitting, and grinding marks, evidence of its intended use rather than decorative purpose. The seme and scabbard are in very good vintage condition with superb patina to the leather. The sword inserts and withdraws smoothly and is held firmly in the scabbard.

Length (in scabbard) : 53.5 cm

Length (seme) : 53 cm

Length (blade) : 39 cm