unknown brass/bronze knife requiring identification

[drac2k]

I just acquired this knife/sword from a gentleman who has sold me from time to time some great pieces.I didn't really want it because I believe that 99.99 % of all of these are fakes or copies, but I didn't want him to take it to someone else and possibly loose a great source so I bought it.
Can someone confirm that it is a fake or copy or on the off chance that it is good?
Thanks

[VANDOO]

THESE ONE OF A KIND UNCONVENTIONAL ITEMS ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT TO PIN DOWN UNLESS SOMEONE HAS AN EXACT DUPLICATE WITH GOOD PROVENANCE.
THAT BEING SAID I GET THE FEELING IT IS BRONZE AND LIKELY MADE IN AFRICA (THE DESIGNS MAKE ME THINK THAT). THEY HAVE QUITE A LOT OF CEREMONIAL WEAPON LIKE OBJECTS ENTIRELY MADE OF COPPER, BRONZE OR BRASS IN AFRICA. THIS ITEM IS A BIT CRUDE PERHAPS SAND CAST AND ITS VERY DIFFICULT TO TELL AGE BY PATINA EVEN WHEN ITS IN HAND AND NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO JUDGE FROM PICTURES. A INTERESTING ITEM AND WORTH HAVING IF THE PRICE WAS RIGHT.

[drac2k]

Thanks for the opinion, I also think it may be of African origin;somewhere I have a knife with the same motifs on the blade,also African.I'll try to post it.
It was very reasonable and I protected my source for future offerings.
Thanks

[trenchwarfare]

I've seen similar items from other cultures, used as currency.

[drac2k]

That makes sense as well, thanks.