Unusual West African Dagger Hilt...

[katana]

This dagger is a bit of a mystery...the sheath suggests West Africa..the blade is tempered and is 17.5 cms long and doubled edged. Its the handle which is unusual ....made from brass, it seems to 'cast' around the tang of the blade, and is of strange design, with intricate line engraving.
Any ideas as to origin, culture or use .........thankyou :)

[Zan]

Interesting dagger. I think it has a Tuareg influence. Look at the gouza (Telek) from Oriental Arms in attachement : your dagger has the same general shape, but it is curved and it lacks one of the arms of the cross-shaped handle.

Sincerely,
Zan

[katana]

Thanks Zan,
looking at it again I think your right.....also the point of the blade is rounded.....suggesting a Takouba influence?

[Zan]

The point of blades from West Africa are often rounded, so it is not exclusive to Takoubas. Maybe it is because these blades are mainly used to cut.

The scabbard of your dagger has a Manding - Bamanan style, without any Tuareg influence. Do you think it is the original one for your blade ? If so, the dagger has only a Tuareg influence and is surely from another tribe. If not, the dagger is maybe an atypical Tuareg Telak or Gouzma.

Sincerely,
Zan

[katana]

Hi Zan,
the scabbard is a very good fit but, I do not think it is original to the knife, it seems more recently made.