Ol alem (sword)
Datelate 1800s
Mediumiron, cord and leather
Dimensions78.1 × 93.3 × 2.5 cm (30 3/4 × 36 3/4 × 1 in.), 2 lb, 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.389
DescriptionLong, narrow, double-edge blade with strong medial ridge, symmetrical on both faces; widens at lower 1/4 to form leaf-shaped point. Only lower 1/2 of blade sharpened. Cylindrical handle, probably with wooden substrate, wrapped with braided cord and covered with brown leather.Label TextThe Maasai people, whose territory lies in Kenya and Tanzania, live chiefly by herding cattle. Maasai men belong to age groups that determine their status, each age group being set apart by a distinctive style of weapons. At the age of about 15 to 21, Maasai youths (called layok) are initiated into the status of young manhood (called moran), at which point they are traditionally first allowed to wear swords. Swords were also valued trophies in the cattle raids that were once a typical feature of herding societies.ProvenanceMilton R. MacIntosh collection (Cranston, RI) (#23) purchased by the Museum in December 1970 Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
1800s
1800s–early 1900s