Where in Africa

T. Koch · 16th January 2016, 06:21 AM

Hi guys,

Judging from the pictures, regarding the skin used on these knifes; the squarish pieces are side/belly-pieces from some species of monitor lizard (crocodile species don't have keeled scales) . The tip of the bottom scabbard could be from a snake or monitor/lizard back piece.

Cheers, - Thor

Iain · 16th January 2016, 10:41 AM

This dagger is from the Sudan. See http://www.britishmuseum.org/researc...es=true&page=1 as a reference.

Miguel · 17th January 2016, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iain

This dagger is from the Sudan. See http://www.britishmuseum.org/researc...es=true&page=1 as a reference.

Hi Ian, I agree this is fro the Sudan. I have something similar covered with lizard skin which I have always thought was Sudanese, here are some pics of it.
Miguel

Helleri · 18th January 2016, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miguel

Hi Ian, I agree this is fro the Sudan. I have something similar covered with lizard skin which I have always thought was Sudanese, here are some pics of it.
Miguel

Can you take some much closer pictures of the scales (especially the center of the handle on the stitched side)?

T. Koch · 18th January 2016, 06:23 AM

The last two photos of the dagger posted above are from Nile monitor, Varanus niloticus.

The ventral scales of monitors, have a linear allignment at the abdomen with no irregular scales between them. My leather ID manual is hard to get at at the moment, but I will see if I can finde some online examples later.

Cheers, - Thor

VANDOO · 18th January 2016, 07:25 AM

THE CRAFT OF TAXIDERMY OR OF TANNING HIDES OR MAKING GOOD LEATHER IS NEITHER EASY OR LAZY WORK. THE SKINNING ALONE CAN BE HARD WORK. IT IS LIKELY THE HIDE IS OF SECONDARY USE AS THE MEAT LIKELY WAS IN THE POT IN AFRICA SO DISCARDING THE HIDE WOULD BE WASTEFUL. THEY OFTEN DON'T HAVE MUCH SO AS A RESULT THEY DON'T WASTE MUCH UNLIKE MORE MODERN SOCIETY.

Miguel · 18th January 2016, 03:01 PM

Well said.

Helleri · 16th January 2016, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. Koch

Hi guys,

Judging from the pictures, regarding the skin used on these knifes; the squarish pieces are side/belly-pieces from some species of monitor lizard (crocodile species don't have keeled scales) . The tip of the bottom scabbard could be from a snake or monitor/lizard back piece.

Cheers, - Thor

The ventral scales of monitors are separated more with small mucronate scales between them. But at the top of the scabbard there, the scales are very closely knit. The handle could be monitor I suppose (I don't see the same dermal ridges that are on the individual scale from the last piece). And I agree that the bottom of the scabbard is probably snake. But I do think the top of the handle is ventral scales from a young crocodile.

...This is pretty interesting for the mixed organic material's it's using. Aside from the possibility of the 3 different reptile skins. There is also the leather, lace, and wood. Makes me think the maker was either highly selective or had to take what they could get.

18th January 2016, 06:23 AM	#5
T. Koch Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mother North Posts: 189	The last two photos of the dagger posted above are from Nile monitor, Varanus niloticus. The ventral scales of monitors, have a linear allignment at the abdomen with no irregular scales between them. My leather ID manual is hard to get at at the moment, but I will see if I can finde some online examples later. Cheers, - Thor Last edited by T. Koch; 18th January 2016 at 06:35 AM.

16th January 2016, 06:21 AM	#1
T. Koch Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mother North Posts: 189	Hi guys, Judging from the pictures, regarding the skin used on these knifes; the squarish pieces are side/belly-pieces from some species of monitor lizard (crocodile species don't have keeled scales) . The tip of the bottom scabbard could be from a snake or monitor/lizard back piece. Cheers, - Thor

16th January 2016, 10:41 AM	#2
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	This dagger is from the Sudan. See http://www.britishmuseum.org/researc...es=true&page=1 as a reference.

18th January 2016, 07:25 AM	#6
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	THE CRAFT OF TAXIDERMY OR OF TANNING HIDES OR MAKING GOOD LEATHER IS NEITHER EASY OR LAZY WORK. THE SKINNING ALONE CAN BE HARD WORK. IT IS LIKELY THE HIDE IS OF SECONDARY USE AS THE MEAT LIKELY WAS IN THE POT IN AFRICA SO DISCARDING THE HIDE WOULD BE WASTEFUL. THEY OFTEN DON'T HAVE MUCH SO AS A RESULT THEY DON'T WASTE MUCH UNLIKE MORE MODERN SOCIETY.

18th January 2016, 03:01 PM	#7
Miguel Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 584	Well said.