Mystery (Ceremonial?) Knife...

[laEspadaAncha]

So a friend of mine who is a local antique dealer showed me this today. The hilt and scabbard are made of bronze. The blade, which is flat and unsharpened, is iron. The knife and scabbard together must weigh more than 2 lbs / 1kg. The back of the hilt is hollowed out, as is part of the scabbard.

African? European? Asian? Ceremonial? Movie prop?

It's mine for the taking if I want it...










I didn't even think to check to see if the hilt was hollow in the grip, or if I could see the tang... but I'll be seeing him later this week.

[carlos]

Semms african to me, maybe fron Benin? I remember see one similar in a african art shop some time ago.
best regards

[laEspadaAncha]

Hi Carlos,

Thanks for the reply... that was my initial reaction to the piece. I'm hoping more will chime in as well. 97 views? Someone must have an opinion or have seen something similar...

[Martin Lubojacky]

This should be from Nigeria.
regards,
Martin
P.S. And, I am very afraid - made just to be sold

[laEspadaAncha]

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

This should be from Nigeria.
regards,
Martin
P.S. And, I am very afraid - made just to be sold

Hi Martin,


Thank you, and no worries... I took pictures of it at his house to put it up in front of the forum before I bought it for this very reason.

I have several African pieces - edged weapons, masks, and a shield - all which were made for indigenous use (ceremonial, warfare, or otherwise), and I wish not to dilute the collection with pieces made purely for the tourist market.

Anybody else want to chime in?

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

This is a Bata, Vere, Namdschi knife from Nigeria/Cameroon.
In fact, it don't seems to be a good one.