Interesting, I think in some areas cost and technique might have something to do with it. A guard may only have an aesthetic function or be there as an adaption from tradition. Also I think a guard may be absent or minimal as the weapon was not used with the intention of fighting in a situation where swords where clashing and parrying with opponents as in films or in training. Sure some defencive moves were most probably made but I suspect especially with small inter tribal conflicts opponents were rushed at with the hope of catching them of guard or in surprise raids or ambush. A minimal guard might well have been enough in these circumstances
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