North or West African dagger for ID

[Sajen]

Hello dear members,

I've just purchased this West to North African dagger but I am unsure about the exact origin, the only similar example I've found is listed here: http://www.memoire-africaine.com/armes2.html and described as Touareg dagger but I doubt a little bit that this description is correct. Is someone able to confirm this description or know it better?

Thank you very much in advance, first picture is from the seller and show the dagger in question, the second picture is from the above given site. The dagger in question is 34 cm inside it's scabbard.

[colin henshaw]

A good, uncommon dagger Detlef ... well done. I think I've seen these described somewhere as Baule, but whether that is a correct attribution, I can't say.

However, I am confident its not Taureg.

Regards
Colin

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

A good, uncommon dagger Detlef ... well done. I think I've seen these described somewhere as Baule, but whether that is a correct attribution, I can't say.

However, I am confident its not Taureg.

Hi Colin,

thank you very much for comment. Yes, the dagger is very nicely worked and I hope that the white spots on the scabbard are nothing serious, have asked the seller for it but never get answer. Will do a little bit search with keyword "Baule". But happy, that I am not alone that it is not Tuareg.

Best regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

No other comments regarding the origin of this dagger?

[colin henshaw]

Its a pity there isn't more interest in African and Oceanic weapons etc. on the forum

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Its a pity there isn't more interest in African and Oceanic weapons etc. on the forum

Yes, agreed! Also when African weapons not my main interest they are most interesting.

[drac2k]

Many of us are interested in African and Oceanic Weapons, however when we lost VANDOO, we lost a real expert in these areas and much more !
That being said, I think it is a great dagger and to me it has a Sudanese Flavor.
Also you presented an interesting reference site to me that I was unaware of.

[Miguel]

I love African weapons particularly those of the Congo and I am pretty sure that there are a lot more members who are also interested. I am no expert by any means, just the opposite, so you will have to excuse me if my suggestion seems improbable. I agree with Colin that it is not Tuareg and is indeed an uncommon dagger which I like very much. I am not sure if it is a dagger of the Ivory Coast Baule people as I have only seen their broad, short, leaf shaped daggers but it may well be. I lean to it being Manding origin but could be wrong.

Thank you for posting this dagger.
Regards
Miguel

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Miguel

I love African weapons particularly those of the Congo and I am pretty sure that there are a lot more members who are also interested. I am no expert by any means, just the opposite, so you will have to excuse me if my suggestion seems improbable. I agree with Colin that it is not Tuareg and is indeed an uncommon dagger which I like very much. I am not sure if it is a dagger of the Ivory Coast Baule people as I have only seen their broad, short, leaf shaped daggers but it may well be. I lean to it being Manding origin but could be wrong.

Thank you for posting this dagger.

Hello Miguel,

like you I've looked in direction Baule but can't find something similar. But I've looked for Manding also but sadly no match until now. Can you show pictures?

Until now I don't have it in my hands but here the other seller pictures, maybe someone get an idea by remembering a similar workmanship.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by drac2k

Many of us are interested in African and Oceanic Weapons, however when we lost VANDOO, we lost a real expert in these areas and much more !

There is nothing to add!

Originally Posted by drac2k

That being said, I think it is a great dagger and to me it has a Sudanese Flavor.

The reason I've mentioned North Africa. The other dagger has a very similar worked scabbard and the blade shape is very similar as well. So it seems to be a dagger common for a region or tribe.

Originally Posted by drac2k

Also you presented an interesting reference site to me that I was unaware of.

I think that I've posted the link before. Here is another great site from a member: http://www.africanarms.com/alle-alben/

Thank you for comment and your thoughts.

Regards,
Detlef

[Martin Lubojacky]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Its a pity there isn't more interest in African and Oceanic weapons etc. on the forum

Hi Colin,

The interest in African Arms is a "little bit" lower then in Asian ones, in this forum, but still - the interest is (one shouldn´t be too quick ...).

I saw several attributions to West Afrika (Baule, also if I remember well Sierra Leone ?), nevertheless by collectors only (nothing "in book" I think). Small ("utility") knives are not as known as a big ones. Example could be small straight daggers/knives (blade ca 13 cms) used in Afar region by camel herders

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

Example could be small straight daggers/knives (blade ca 13 cms) used in Afar region by camel herders

Hello Martin,

so you think it could be an East African dagger?

Regards,
Detlef

[Martin Lubojacky]

I think as others - West African. (This Afar herders was an example of another not too much known knife)

[Miguel]

Hi Detlef,
I seem to becoming obsessed with trying to pin point the origin of this knife. Is it possible to provide clearer pics as my eyes aren't to good these days. Could you also confirm the construction of th hilt i.e. Just wood or leather covered wood, material of plaited band around centre of hilt also materials of scabbard and the decorated band.s at the chapel and throat, sorry to be such a pest
Regards
Miguel

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

I think as others - West African. (This Afar herders was an example of another not too much known knife)

Thank you Martin, now I understand what you have meant! Thank you again.

Regards,
Detlef

[colin henshaw]

I did a quick internet search and found these two which are described as "Baule" ...

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

I did a quick internet search and found these two which are described as "Baule" ...

Thank you Colin, I see some similarities, by the first one the handle by the other one the blade profile. So it's maybe indeed Baule!

Regards,
Detlef