Thanks for the reply Tom. First off, yes it originally was symetrical and was chipped a little and sharpened over during its working life. It's interesting you mention it's resemblance to the Mongo double hook knife because I have another Bena Lulua sword that's really similar. I'll put up some pictures of that one in a couple of days, I have to dig it out of my storage room!
Since that stretch of the Luluaba was such a trade hub it makes sense to me that many designs would travel to, from and through its artisans and marketplaces. Here are pictures of a couple more with more coming in a few days
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