A well patinated antique Tuareg telek dagger with an 11 inch (28 cm) double edged blade with a flattened hexagonal cross section near the hilt transitioning to lenticular towards the acute point. The iron blade shows patchy mild to moderate pitting and appears age darkened. The cruciform hilt has a wooden core with a flaring brass bolster adjacent to which is a perforated dark leather band. The grip is decorated by three copper rivets and wrapped with brass wire (that appears to have focally unraveled and been expediently re-wrapped - see photos). This is most likely 19th or fairly early 20th century and of a type associated with the nomadic Tuareg. There is no accompanying sheath. Overall length is about 16¼ inches (41 cm) with a weight of 7.6 ounces (215 grams).