Molamu Sticks - Lesotho, Africa – Kombat Instruments Limited

Molamu Sticks - Lesotho, Africa

$ 200⁰⁰

Quantity

Molamu are fighting sticks, also used as walking sticks, traditionally wielded by Basotho shepherds in Lesotho, Africa. They are typically made from the Mohlware tree, sometimes adorned with decorative tapework or wirework, and are symbolic indicators of manhood within the culture. In modern times, Basotho men participate in stick fighting training called Ho Kalla; but these bouts are highly supervised because a hefty Molamu blow to the skull can be fatal.

Members of Team KIL were able to procure some of these Molamu Sticks during their travels to Lesotho, Africa. While many flamboyantly decorated lightweight sticks were available to purchase for souvenirs, we were only interested in the heavy duty Molamu Sticks from local weapons makers. As Team KIL went from market to market acquiring as many genuine Molamu that were available, local residents started to follow them around, assuming that they were about to see a serious fight; for that is the only reason to buy Molamu in Lesotho.

We brought back several variations of these heavy duty Molamu Sticks. All were made by Basotho weapons makers, and we did not alter their craftsmanship in any way. The scuffs on the molamu tips are normal, as they are stored tip down on the ground in Africa.

Scan over each photo to find the Molamu Stick that is perfect for you. See each length, diameter, and weight in the dropdown menu.

The molamu are additional indicators of one's adult male status, and each are visual expressions of both practical and esoteric Sesotho ideals. The molamu is a stick that was formerly made from the mohlware tree ( Olea africana ), and is often adorned with wirework, the art of which is viewed as a male activity. Molamu are viewed as a sign of manhood, and all male initiates carry one upon their return from the mophatô . The molamu is used to teach initiates the methods of ho ya ka lanwa , which is a historical Sesotho martial art. At present date molamu are typically made using the branches of a tree called lepere , which bears fruit similar to the pear. The sticks are cut and left to dry for one year, during which time they shrink and harden, making them formidable weapons and walking sticks, and allowing the decorative wirework to remain in place. Although this ornamentation is visually stunning, it is also used to bind empowering medicines, or moriana, to the staff, which affects the seriti of the owner. As a symbol of one's social status, one informant put it best by stating that "no one would mess with this guy (holding a molamu). They know he's from the mountains. They know he knows how to handle himself."

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