Shona Dagger

[colin henshaw]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Thank you Colin for your informative reply, it is much appreciated. I wasn't aware that this type of dagger was used by other tribes, do they make their own or are they traded by the Shona? I would like to see how they did the wire decoration, it is so neat and tight on the wood. Thanks again.
Miguel

I imagine the various tribal groups had their own craftsmen, who did such work. I have seen that type of wirework on different objects such as sticks, spear shafts, fly-whisks and the like. Often beautifully done. Although Africans did manufacture wire in the historic period, I think the wire itself used here is probably European in origin, the plaiting done in Africa.

Regards.