Takouba scabbard for ID

[Iain]

Hi guys,

I'm sure everyone is sick of my incessant takouba posts, but... This one is a little different.

I recently won this (well yesterday ) at auction. I am very pleased because it is an extremely nice sword with a great blade but also because the scabbard is unusual and I am hoping it will lead me to another ethnic group to add to my list of takouba using peoples.

The images attached are the only ones I have for the moment. I've made an enhanced image of the scabbard as well.

The scabbard doesn't have any metal fittings like most takouba. The two suspension mounts have "buttons" on top that remind me of Mandingo work. But I don't think this is from that culture. The paneling and designs I can't really place.

Any ideas? The sword was auctioned in France, which probably indicates a French colonial area to take a look in - not that that narrows it down much!

Best regards,

Iain