African dagger. Completely stumped

blue lander · 2nd April 2014, 04:24 PM

I spent an afternoon looking through photos on the forum and I still have no idea what this one is. The seller thinks it's North African but it doesn't look very North African to me. He says the hilt is bone. The hilt shape reminds me a bit of the bayonet clone in this thread but the blade of course is completely different.

It hasn't arrived yet but once it does I'll take better pictures.

Tim Simmons · 2nd April 2014, 06:03 PM

That is quite a thing. I would certainly say it is African although it has a slight Indian/Asian look. I do not think there is the brass fascination in India/Asia as there is in Africa. It looks North and West Coast African. I have yet to see brass blades from North East Africa. Something to look out for.

blue lander · 2nd April 2014, 06:51 PM

I keep looking for something in its shape that would point me towards one part of Africa or another, but I just can't find a point of reference. The seller says it's 36.5 cm total with a 22cm blade.

colin henshaw · 3rd April 2014, 09:11 AM

Never seen a knife exactly like this before. However, the very pointed, elongated blade and small circles as decoration, put me in mind of those knives/swords from Algeria or surrounding areas...

blue lander · 3rd April 2014, 03:03 PM

You know, I can see a bevel on the back of the blade but I don't see one on the front. It's hard to tell from the pictures of course, but I wonder if it's some sort of scythe? Like a Hasiya? If that was the case I'd expect the blade to be more curved and less stabby.

blue lander · 11th April 2014, 05:29 PM

It just arrived today. I've attached two more pictures, one of the guard and one of the pommel. The blade and all the metal bits on it are an orangish metal, so I assume brass.

DaveA · 13th April 2014, 06:12 PM

The cross-hatching on the hilt reminds me of this Burmese dha in my collection. I suppose the design, having such utility for a good grip on the weapon, is probably not uncommon. No idea on the blade

Dave A

chregu · 13th April 2014, 07:12 PM

hello together

'm not quite sure such knives've seen in dancers.
I think there were dervish dances.

2nd April 2014, 04:24 PM	#1
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	African dagger. Completely stumped I spent an afternoon looking through photos on the forum and I still have no idea what this one is. The seller thinks it's North African but it doesn't look very North African to me. He says the hilt is bone. The hilt shape reminds me a bit of the bayonet clone in this thread but the blade of course is completely different. It hasn't arrived yet but once it does I'll take better pictures. Attached Images

11th April 2014, 05:29 PM	#6
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	It just arrived today. I've attached two more pictures, one of the guard and one of the pommel. The blade and all the metal bits on it are an orangish metal, so I assume brass. Attached Images

13th April 2014, 06:12 PM	#7
DaveA Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 413	Cross-hatch design The cross-hatching on the hilt reminds me of this Burmese dha in my collection. I suppose the design, having such utility for a good grip on the weapon, is probably not uncommon. No idea on the blade Dave A Attached Images

2nd April 2014, 06:03 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	That is quite a thing. I would certainly say it is African although it has a slight Indian/Asian look. I do not think there is the brass fascination in India/Asia as there is in Africa. It looks North and West Coast African. I have yet to see brass blades from North East Africa. Something to look out for.

2nd April 2014, 06:51 PM	#3
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	I keep looking for something in its shape that would point me towards one part of Africa or another, but I just can't find a point of reference. The seller says it's 36.5 cm total with a 22cm blade.

3rd April 2014, 09:11 AM	#4
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Never seen a knife exactly like this before. However, the very pointed, elongated blade and small circles as decoration, put me in mind of those knives/swords from Algeria or surrounding areas...

3rd April 2014, 03:03 PM	#5
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	You know, I can see a bevel on the back of the blade but I don't see one on the front. It's hard to tell from the pictures of course, but I wonder if it's some sort of scythe? Like a Hasiya? If that was the case I'd expect the blade to be more curved and less stabby.

13th April 2014, 07:12 PM	#8
chregu Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: switzerland Posts: 298	hello together 'm not quite sure such knives've seen in dancers. I think there were dervish dances.