Seeking more about this African copper knife

[Uncle Bertie]

This was also in the small collection of knives and swords I recently got. I love the carvings on it, and I'd love to know which culture is likely to have produced this.

The blade has been cleaned lightly with fine wire wool and white spirit and now looks (to me) really stunning.

I have tried doing some searches online, but I need your expertise really. I thought it might by Kuba or Dan, but it doesn't reflect the shape of the Kuba or Dan knives I've seen online.

I'd also be interested in your thoughts on age as well. Thanks

[Pieje]

A very recent Congo knife with some Lega characteristics.

[shayde78]

Hi Bertie,

I wanted to send you a link to another thread that references copper blades on African knives - here (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18752&highlight=Copper)

Apparently copper blade have been used as a form of currency and/or as a sign of status and prestige. I've yet to get feedback if copper is also used on knives intended for tourists. However, I suspect copper may have more value than steel in such parts if the world, so I am mightily intrigued by the purpose of your knife and others like it.

[Uncle Bertie]

The copper blade was completely black when I got it. I used white spirit and fine wire wool to clean it off somewhat.

It is part of a collection I bought through eBay from the father of a very respected UK based knifemaker. The collection seems to contain a mix of non-functional pieces and some entirely authentic ones, including two Dha made with silver and ivory. So I'm trying to sift through them to distinguish between the "tourist" and fully authentic pieces.

[Pieje]

...So I'm trying to sift through them to distinguish between the "tourist" and fully authentic pieces.

I can assure you that knives with such handle are definitely tourist pieces.

[Uncle Bertie]

I can assure you that knives with such handle are definitely tourist pieces.
Thanks, that's helpful.

[mariusgmioc]

Tourist indeed... but nice.

It is more a piece of African art than a "knife" as it cannot cut anything.

I got one too, but with the blade of sheet steel. :)