This style of an all iron dagger with a loop handle is associated with the Tiv people of the Benue valley of Nigeria in west Africa and has the reputation of having been used 'at the ready' in an archer's draw hand, tip down should the target close with the hunter. The double edged blade of this example is 7¼ inches (18.6 cm) in length with a low mid rib on each blade face. The loop appears to be one piece welded to the sides of the base of the blade and features deeply incised decoration on the outside surface. Overall length is just under 10½ inches (26.5 cm) with a weight of 4¼ ounces (124 grams).

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