The Lion Knife

[Von Gruff]

I have something to add to your story Gary. I live in close proximity of the Kruger National Park and had visited there about two weeks ago. Upon visiting Skukuza, I had intended to view the ivory tusks of the 'Magnificent Seven" elephent that used to be displayed there. On enquiry as to where the tusks were displayed, I was told that they were no longer exhibited. I browsed the current display in the museum and came accross this:
View attachment 70221

It is the lion skin and Wolhuter's knife, along with an abrieved version of the story of the insident. Unfortunately it is displayed in a glass cabinet, so the quality of the photos are poor.
Here are a few shots of the knife, the belt and the sheath. The sheath on display is markedly different from the one depicted in the photo you have already placed.
View attachment 70222

Further on in the thread where the knife is shown there was a similar correction and in truth the sheath shown in my pic dosent show the wear you would expect from the years of use Harry recited. I expect yours is the actual knife where the one in the riginal thread may well have been and example of the original knife and sheath.
Thank you for the post and the pics.

 

[opaul]

Love to read stories like this.

 

[Sean Jones]

That's an amazing story! Thanks!

 

[Johan Nel]

T

Further on in the thread where the knife is shown there was a similar correction and in truth the sheath shown in my pic dosent show the wear you would expect from the years of use Harry recited. I expect yours is the actual knife where the one in the riginal thread may well have been and example of the original knife and sheath.
Thank you for the post and the pics.

The sheath in the display would be in line with what the people of his day and in his environment would have done, and that is to repurpose items from nature. The sheath depicted in the display is the leg skin of an Impala. This is something they would have an ubandance off and easy access to, as they had an allowance of animals they could harvest for rations for themselves and their staff. The skin was removed in the round, and I deduce from the display, that it would have been turned inside out, the stitching done and then turned outside out again. The stitching is not visible. The hair and hair tussles from the glands close to the hooves is all still on. There is wear visible on the sheath where hair has worn off from friction of movement and regular handling.