19th Century Manding Dagger For Comment?

Jim McDougall · 9th June 2007, 05:34 PM

I agree with the other observations on this piece....very nice!!

What factors identify this dagger as Manding? The sabres are of course instantly recognizable, but not as familiar with the daggers. Is the tassle at the tip a Manding feature?

I always wonder about the large X marking also. It seems that a key component of folk religion in material cultural symbolism in North Africa pertains to the four directions, four corners of the earth etc. Is that the likely case here? I have seen the X on a scabbard on one of those mysterious 'Berber' sabres and recalling that prompted that question.

Best regards,
Jim

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9th June 2007, 05:34 PM	#9
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	I agree with the other observations on this piece....very nice!! What factors identify this dagger as Manding? The sabres are of course instantly recognizable, but not as familiar with the daggers. Is the tassle at the tip a Manding feature? I always wonder about the large X marking also. It seems that a key component of folk religion in material cultural symbolism in North Africa pertains to the four directions, four corners of the earth etc. Is that the likely case here? I have seen the X on a scabbard on one of those mysterious 'Berber' sabres and recalling that prompted that question. Best regards, Jim