Tuareg short dagger

[AHite]

Another acquisition for me that I believe is Tuareg, or closely related. Very nicely crafted dagger, with a thick blade. Not sharpened but on the edges but has a sharp tip. The tip has been bent in a manner that I don't know if it was intended, or was some damage done later. I'm hesitant to start pounding on the blade to straighten it. The blade had a light coating of rust which I lightly cleaned to show the decorations on the surface.

The leatherwork is nicely done, similar to a telek that I own. The leather wrapped handle brings to mind the Tuareg culture's aversion to touching iron. Age-wise, probably later half of the 20th century. It's a nice, solid piece.

Regards,

Andrew