NORTH AFRICAN ?? KNIFE/DAGGER

colin henshaw · 9th November 2015, 09:13 AM

I've seen those back-to-back concave line forms on wooden stools etc from the Nupe (Nigeria). Or, they might represent the Sudan "double C"

That oval petal motif can be found in Omdurman (Sudan) work. Overall the decoration to the scabbard looks to be well south of the Maghreb region...

Martin Lubojacky · 9th November 2015, 10:39 AM

I am of the opinion that this decoration bears signs, which you could find both on Nupe old items and on Berber items incl. African Mediterrean coast in Tunnisia (especially "quarterfoils"). The "composition" of the sheath - I mean "connecting cockets" is suggestiv of Maghreb.

kahnjar1 · 9th November 2015, 07:37 PM

Thanks Colin and Martin.
I think we are starting to get some resolve. I had always leant towards this being a tribal piece of some sort, with (maybe) a reused Koumyya blade.
Any other thoughts Gentlemen?

9th November 2015, 09:13 AM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	I've seen those back-to-back concave line forms on wooden stools etc from the Nupe (Nigeria). Or, they might represent the Sudan "double C" That oval petal motif can be found in Omdurman (Sudan) work. Overall the decoration to the scabbard looks to be well south of the Maghreb region...

9th November 2015, 10:39 AM	#2
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 847	I am of the opinion that this decoration bears signs, which you could find both on Nupe old items and on Berber items incl. African Mediterrean coast in Tunnisia (especially "quarterfoils"). The "composition" of the sheath - I mean "connecting cockets" is suggestiv of Maghreb.

9th November 2015, 07:37 PM	#3
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,818	Thanks Colin and Martin. I think we are starting to get some resolve. I had always leant towards this being a tribal piece of some sort, with (maybe) a reused Koumyya blade. Any other thoughts Gentlemen?