Kikuyu Simi, Kenya

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Permitted use for these purposes:
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Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
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Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

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Description

Object description

Kikuyu simi fashioned from a British machete, engraved, mid-20th century.

Physical description

Machete, scabbard and belt.

History note

The Simi was a traditional weapon of the Kikuyu people of Kenya. This example was seized during the Kenya Emergency by Frederick William Bird, an Officer of the Kenya Police, at the time of the Lari massacre on 25 March 1953. The event is recorded in an inscription engraved on the blade. The Lari massacre was a highly controversial event. It originated in a Mau Mau attack upon families of Home Guard members at Lari, but (less publicized at the time) it was followed by a reprisal by the Home Guard, in which a large number of alleged Mau Mau sympathizers were also massacred.

Engraved

LARI MASSACRE 25.3.1953 KENYA MAU MAU

Engraved

a giraffe with word GIRAFFE below. BRADES Co 1652.

Object Details

Category

Weapons and ammunition

Related period

1945-1989 (association)

Creator

Brades & Co

Materials

Machete: metal

Belt: leather

Scabbard: leather

Dimensions

Knife: Depth 13 mm, Length 535 mm, Width 38 mm

Scabbard With Belt: Depth 65 mm, Length 425 mm, Width 90 mm

Knife In Scabbard: Depth 65 mm, Length 537 mm, Width 90 mm

Catalogue number

WEA 2050

Object associations

Associated people and organisations

Kenyan Organization, Mau Mau
Bird, Frederick William
Kenya Police
Associated events

Kenya Emergency 1952-1956
Associated items

Kikuyu Simi, Kenya
Kikuyu Simi, Kenya
fragment, F1 grenade
Private Papers of F W Bird MBE GM
Associated places

Kenya
Associated themes

Kenya 1952-1956

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Object Details

Object associations

Associated people and organisations

Associated events

Associated items

Associated places

Associated themes

Our collections information