North or West African dagger for ID

[colin henshaw]

Its a pity there isn't more interest in African and Oceanic weapons etc. on the forum

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Its a pity there isn't more interest in African and Oceanic weapons etc. on the forum

Yes, agreed! Also when African weapons not my main interest they are most interesting.

[drac2k]

Many of us are interested in African and Oceanic Weapons, however when we lost VANDOO, we lost a real expert in these areas and much more !
That being said, I think it is a great dagger and to me it has a Sudanese Flavor.
Also you presented an interesting reference site to me that I was unaware of.

[Miguel]

I love African weapons particularly those of the Congo and I am pretty sure that there are a lot more members who are also interested. I am no expert by any means, just the opposite, so you will have to excuse me if my suggestion seems improbable. I agree with Colin that it is not Tuareg and is indeed an uncommon dagger which I like very much. I am not sure if it is a dagger of the Ivory Coast Baule people as I have only seen their broad, short, leaf shaped daggers but it may well be. I lean to it being Manding origin but could be wrong.

Thank you for posting this dagger.
Regards
Miguel

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Miguel

I love African weapons particularly those of the Congo and I am pretty sure that there are a lot more members who are also interested. I am no expert by any means, just the opposite, so you will have to excuse me if my suggestion seems improbable. I agree with Colin that it is not Tuareg and is indeed an uncommon dagger which I like very much. I am not sure if it is a dagger of the Ivory Coast Baule people as I have only seen their broad, short, leaf shaped daggers but it may well be. I lean to it being Manding origin but could be wrong.

Thank you for posting this dagger.

Hello Miguel,

like you I've looked in direction Baule but can't find something similar. But I've looked for Manding also but sadly no match until now. Can you show pictures?

Until now I don't have it in my hands but here the other seller pictures, maybe someone get an idea by remembering a similar workmanship.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by drac2k

Many of us are interested in African and Oceanic Weapons, however when we lost VANDOO, we lost a real expert in these areas and much more !

There is nothing to add!

Originally Posted by drac2k

That being said, I think it is a great dagger and to me it has a Sudanese Flavor.

The reason I've mentioned North Africa. The other dagger has a very similar worked scabbard and the blade shape is very similar as well. So it seems to be a dagger common for a region or tribe.

Originally Posted by drac2k

Also you presented an interesting reference site to me that I was unaware of.

I think that I've posted the link before. Here is another great site from a member: http://www.africanarms.com/alle-alben/

Thank you for comment and your thoughts.

Regards,
Detlef

[Martin Lubojacky]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Its a pity there isn't more interest in African and Oceanic weapons etc. on the forum

Hi Colin,

The interest in African Arms is a "little bit" lower then in Asian ones, in this forum, but still - the interest is (one shouldn´t be too quick ...).

I saw several attributions to West Afrika (Baule, also if I remember well Sierra Leone ?), nevertheless by collectors only (nothing "in book" I think). Small ("utility") knives are not as known as a big ones. Example could be small straight daggers/knives (blade ca 13 cms) used in Afar region by camel herders

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

Example could be small straight daggers/knives (blade ca 13 cms) used in Afar region by camel herders

Hello Martin,

so you think it could be an East African dagger?

Regards,
Detlef

[Martin Lubojacky]

I think as others - West African. (This Afar herders was an example of another not too much known knife)

[Miguel]

Hi Detlef,
I seem to becoming obsessed with trying to pin point the origin of this knife. Is it possible to provide clearer pics as my eyes aren't to good these days. Could you also confirm the construction of th hilt i.e. Just wood or leather covered wood, material of plaited band around centre of hilt also materials of scabbard and the decorated band.s at the chapel and throat, sorry to be such a pest
Regards
Miguel

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Miguel

I seem to becoming obsessed with trying to pin point the origin of this knife. Is it possible to provide clearer pics as my eyes aren't to good these days. Could you also confirm the construction of th hilt i.e. Just wood or leather covered wood, material of plaited band around centre of hilt also materials of scabbard and the decorated band.s at the chapel and throat, sorry to be such a pest

Hi Miguel,
like you I would like to know from where this dagger coming. So you can't be a pest! I will post better pictures with many close ups soon as I have it in my hands, the seller was a little bit circular but it's on the way to me and will be next week here. But I think both, scabbard and handle are wood covered with leather and in up and down from scabbard and in the middle from the handle is sewn lizard or snake leather with sinew, that's what I think to see. But I will describe it again when I have examined it.

Best regards,
Detlef

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hi Detlef,

the small sewn on pieces of leather are neither lizard, nor snake. It is sting-ray skin.
Best
Martin

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi Miguel,
like you I would like to know from where this dagger coming. So you can't be a pest! I will post better pictures with many close ups soon as I have it in my hands, the seller was a little bit circular but it's on the way to me and will be next week here. But I think both, scabbard and handle are wood covered with leather and in up and down from scabbard and in the middle from the handle is sewn lizard or snake leather with sinew, that's what I think to see. But I will describe it again when I have examined it.

Best regards,
Detlef

Hi Detlef, Looking forward to your pics, thanks.
Rega do
Miguel

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

I think as others - West African. (This Afar herders was an example of another not too much known knife)

Thank you Martin, now I understand what you have meant! Thank you again.

Regards,
Detlef