Unusual African short sword / knife

[tool_of_a_took]

Hi guys, can anyone tell me anything about this knife? I’ve come across lots of African knives at antique fairs and shops but not seen one with this shape before. Makes me think of a bayonet

[Gonzoadler]

Hello,

the scabbard is similar to scabbards of Takoubas, so I would say it is a Tuareg dagger.

Regards
Robin

[Sajen]

Agreed!

[Iain]

It can be from a number of groups who shared by the 20th century a similar leather working style, including the Hausa, Fulani, Tuareg, and even further into west Africa. I'd put it tentatively as Hausa/Fulani though.

It looks like a reused blade for sure.

[fennec]

Also the three fuller are often on touareg takuba, if is a reused Sword as mentioned, it can explain why they are not centered. Is it one edged or both sides are sharpened ?
For the handle, Ive rarely seen zoomorphic handles on touareg art, more like geometric forms.

[Richard G]

Looks as if it is trying to copy a bayonet.
Regards
Richard

[tool_of_a_took]

Originally Posted by fennec

Also the three fuller are often on touareg takuba, if is a reused Sword as mentioned, it can explain why they are not centered. Is it one edged or both sides are sharpened ?
For the handle, Ive rarely seen zoomorphic handles on touareg art, more like geometric forms.

There’s a few inches sharpened along the back edge near the tip