African powder horn with Arab influence ?

[colin henshaw]

Here is a recent acquisition - an old powder horn probably from East-Central Africa, (Malawi/Nyasaland area). Its of interest particularly for what I think to be Arab or Swahili influences - as illustrated by the faceted carving to the horn, stamped decoration to the leather and the brass buckle.

The use of pouches with thong closures, is also atypical for purely sub-Saharan work.

Comments are welcome, also any references. If anyone has comparable examples do please post them.

Regards.