The Toubu (Tebu, Toubou) are a Saharan cultural group within the current political boundaries of Chad, Niger and Libya. This dagger incorporates the characteristic braided red-brown and black leather covered hilt with a typical blunt spiked iron pommel / counterweight in proportion to the size of this blade. The 8 inch (20.3 cm) straight double edged blade has a central fuller on the proximal half of each blade face that transitions into a mid rib extending to the point. Narrow, shallowly inscribed lines follow the edge contour and there is what appears to be a rocker engraved geometric design upon each blade face. The blade edges taper slowly over the first half of the blade beyond which the width tapers to an acute point. The blade shows evidence of hammering of the edge bevels and of honing and there are scattered dark spots and mild pitting. The hilt is covered with braided red-brown and black leather strips with a ring of tan reptile leather placed mid grip. The dagger is just over 12½ inches (32 cm) in length with a weight of 3.7 ounces (104 grams). A red-brown and black leather sheath with a loop for a cord accompanies the dagger and brings the total length to 13¼ inches (33.5 cm) and weight to 4.5 ounces (127 grams). The style and condition suggest origin in the final quarter of the 20th century.