origin of this knife

[weapons 27]

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THIS KNIFE
It measures 28cm long blade 16.5 cm
thank to all

[Battara]

Looks African to me. Possibly Tuareg?

[Iain]

Mauritania or Senegal. Very nice piece. :)

Some similar styles are seen on recent Tuareg work for the tourist market, but from what I can see here, this is older and very good quality.

EDIT: I'd add as a followup, I've always been curious about potential Spanish and Portuguese influence on these, as both nations were actively trading on these coasts.

[Gavin Nugent]

I see a certain amout of French influence here too...the blade cross section, that it has quillons and the fluted grip...the same can be said for Spanish regions, more so with the forte done in this manner.

Gavin