Extremely nice sabre, probably cote d ivoire source, as Lew has noted, Manding type work on scabbard. West Coast Africa sabres like these copying European sabres used well into 20th century...I've even seen certain tribal militia using them within the last 20 yrs. The guard and hilt elements resemble British hangers of latter 18th century.
Norman , exactly right on that circle dot motif, which is indeed known as far back as the temporal geometric symbols in Paleolithic artwork.
Best regards,
Jim
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