A characteristic example of a short sword of the Salampasu or Tetela tribe dated by Lew as circa 1920 to 1940. The carved dark wooden hilt has a typical pommel of six fused cylinders upon a disc; from the end like a simple flower with the tang folded over on one side. The 16½ inch long double edged blade has two pair of 'barbs' along its length. A shallowed central area with multiple crude linear engravings at the hilt gives way to a low central midrib. Flaws in the iron of the blade suggest forged construction. The blade is accompanied by a dark leather covered wooden scabbard with plant fiber wrappings of edges at either end. There are some losses of the leather especially over the sides. The scabbard retains decoration of three leather wrapped cords and a pair of small teeth. Overall length is 25 inches with a weight of 22¼ ounces.