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 archer. The double edged blade of this example is 5¾ inches (14.5 cm) in length with a low mid rib on each blade face and barbs in the plane of the blade where the loop is joined. The majority of the surface is dark brown with a few bright areas and the presence of forging flaws. The loop appears to be one piece welded to the sides of the base of the blade and features incised decoration on the outside surface. Overall length is just under 9¼ inches (23.7 cm) with a weight of 3.7 ounces (105 grams). Lew dated this example as 19th century.