I am inclined to feel this interesting item is from Zaire, mostly due to the stylized zoomorphic faces of rudimentary geometric design on the prongs of the hilt, as well as the blade shape. The blade seems to correspond to the profiled 'court sword' blade forms often seen on swords of Zaire regions, and seems to have considerably more age than of course the hilt. Although no distinct matches for the hilt were found in the references I checked, there was one hilt with dual prongs, but more closely formed like horns. This was stated to be from Zaire also c.1935 ("Beaute Fatale" p.238, #458).
Most interesting was an asymmetric form as seen on the scabbard shown as from Tshokwe regions of Zaire (c.1920), which are located in southwest Zaire near Angola borders (ibid. p.79).
While these suggestions are clearly free association based, they do seem plausible .
As always, the diffusion of these weapons have no geographic boundaries and as this item seems to be an older blade more recently remounted, it would be difficult to assign a specific region with certainty. I am curious though about the Cameroon suggestion, any references that might direct to their weapons being similar to this one? All I can seem to find is references to thier throwing knives.
Best regards,
Jim
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