Mau Mau pistol, 1953 (c)

Mau Mau fighters used a variety of weapons in their struggle against the British military in Kenya. Apart from a few stolen firearms, their weapons were either home made, like this wooden pistol, or consisted of traditional clubs, knives, spears and arrows. Being so poorly armed, they avoided fighting the British in the open, focusing instead on guerilla warfare and terrorism.

This hand made pistol is made of wood with metal furnishings. It was obtained by members of 1st Battalion The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) during operations in Kenya in 1953-1954.