Mandingo

[Martin Lubojacky]

Interesting is that despite the fact this sword should be (as far as references in literature are concerned and it was already discussed here, too) Mandingo from Guinea - it was acquired in Zaria in Northern Nigeria. There was embossed silver strip rolled on around upper part of the blade, but, unfortunately I lost it during cleaning...
Regards,
Martin

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

Described as Igala Afikpo from Nigeria by Zirngibl.

[Tim Simmons]

Conakry most be wrong? I would go for Nigeria/Cameroon?
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8478&highlight=konda

[Martin Lubojacky]

Tim,
during discussion in your thread I infered also from the Mambele website, where it is described as Ful/Mandingo from Guinea.

Luc,
Please, re. the picture you have posted - is it from "the book "Seltene Afrikanische Kurzwaffen" ? If not, could someone from our colleagues forumites look at the book "Seltene Afrikanische Kurzwaffen" by Manfred Zirngibl ? If I am not mistaken, there should be a picture of similar short sword...I would be interested in its legend (I don´t have my books with me).

In any case, based on my few days old find in here Nigeria and Luc´s notice, your sword, Tim, is very probably also from Nigeria (Igala ?) and I would like to apologize for previous hurry-scurry verdicts.
Best regards,
Martin

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

Hi Martin,
The picture is from the last book of Zirngibl : Panga na visu
http://www.hepelo-verlag.de/?B%FCcher_im_Hepelo-Verlag_erschienen:panga_na_visu

In Seltene Afrikanische Kurzwaffen a similar model made of wood is decribed as Fulbe, Mandingo, from Guinea.

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hi Luc,
Thank you very much. I must say it was interesting lesson (for me)
Regards,
Martin
P.S.: So Mambele description may be wrong ??

[Tim Simmons]

This is a fabulous place, yes?

It is quite possible that cult knives of this type are general to a very large foot print of west Africa even into central Africa, Congo? We are not privy to the religious and cultural use? We pick the pieces up and try to reform the jigsaw? We have to understand the possible diffusion of a religious/cult concept in an region of people. Just think of medieval Europe?