Salampaso short sword

[Matt Splatt]

Hi all, I just got this and I am quite happy with it. It looks pretty old and it definitely has seen a lot of use. The scabbard is pretty complete, just missing a couple of leather and copper bits. The craftsmanship displayed on the scabbard is impressive, the plaiting on the central ridge is the finest I've ever encountered. I know these were used in the male initiation rites of the Salampasu but were they fighting weapons? The blade is very heavy and it seems like an effective close-quarters hacking weapon. I would welcome any thoughts and or comments.