Two Maasai Spears and a Shield - Recorded in the Maasai Mara.

Get Surfshark VPN at https://surfshark.deals/kenya - Enter promo code KENYA for 85% off and 3 extra months for FREE! The traditional Maasai Spear and shield are famous and appear as the emblem on the national flag of Kenya. In this short documentary we will see one made in a truly traditional way, with nothing but an open camp fire and a hammer. These traditional craftsmen have an incredible skill and manage to work the steel almost cold until it becomes an impressive spearhead. Recorded while we were in the field investigating traditional earth architecture (video to come).

In response to many comments that the use of scrap steel makes this less of a tradition than if they had smelted their own metals, I would add that in pre-industrial Africa, mostly the metals were made by different tribes and traded with the blacksmiths, very few had the materials available locally to make good iron or copper. In response to those who think there is less skill because they are working without bellows, just try it! My attempts at cold working just a small piece of steel bar ended in a cracked dented mess! Still, great to hear all your thoughts.

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