Three North African daggers for ID

xerg · 22nd November 2007, 09:41 PM

I can second the Tuareg diagnosis for the middle piece. You see small daggers with scabbards like that all over West Africa. In fact, they're one of the more common replica pieces. The green that they're painted with is supposed to emulate the green that bronze would oxidize to over time (as happens on real examples).

I'm not saying that yours is necessarily a replica, since I haven't seen a blade quite like that before. I lost the image (unfortunately due to the slow internet here) when I clicked reply, but I recall the hilt looking to be comprised of layered dark wood (they'd tell you ebony) and metal. I have a Tuareg hairknife whose hilt is done in the same style. Other than that, I haven't seen a decorative pommel like that or a blade with quite that shape. It's an interesting piece!

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22nd November 2007, 09:41 PM	#5
xerg Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7	I can second the Tuareg diagnosis for the middle piece. You see small daggers with scabbards like that all over West Africa. In fact, they're one of the more common replica pieces. The green that they're painted with is supposed to emulate the green that bronze would oxidize to over time (as happens on real examples). I'm not saying that yours is necessarily a replica, since I haven't seen a blade quite like that before. I lost the image (unfortunately due to the slow internet here) when I clicked reply, but I recall the hilt looking to be comprised of layered dark wood (they'd tell you ebony) and metal. I have a Tuareg hairknife whose hilt is done in the same style. Other than that, I haven't seen a decorative pommel like that or a blade with quite that shape. It's an interesting piece!