African sword??

[kronckew]

the core of the scabbard may likely be wood, which of course you do not want to soften. they leather cover is likely varnished rawhide sewn with sinew. the grip on the seme is normally also covered in rawhide, either sewn or from a degloved cow tail shrink dried onto it without a seam. the newer ones seem to be dyed red. maasi like red. do NOT use soap & water to clean the rawhide. changes in humidity can cause dimensional changes. to clean, brush off ant loose dirt, wipe with a barely damp cloth & don't let it get wet. the saddle & horse industry can supply a rawhide cleaning cream. a saddle maker may be able to help you strech it a bit. mine is fairly stiff by the way