Short sword from south Nigeria for comments

[Martin Lubojacky]

This sword comes from the south Nigeria. It is 55 cm long (hilt spine is broken, so originally it was longer), max width is 6.3 cm. The sword is heavy (thickness of the narrow section below the hilt spine is 9 mm !), but well-balanced, as the blade has two nice - wide and deep - grooves (nicely symmetrical). It is again well rusty, but solid. It far reminds Fang swords. I have never seen anything like this before - could anybody advise me re. tribe ? :shrug:

[Martin Lubojacky]

So - no idea ??

[Tim Simmons]

I think this is a Fang knife, this link gives thier location.

http://www.tribal-explorer.com/african_tribes/fang.htm

[Martin Lubojacky]

Thank you Tim. My first idea was also Fang. Nevertheless, the blades of old Fang swords use to be much more thinner and usually without grooves (only with slim central rib). Also blade decoration is always below "tangs", as the narrow part below the grip use to be covered by wood (and Fang blade decorations are punched out, not engraved, like in this case). But, it could be variation - why not. I have some Fang swords and the a.m. difference was the reason, why I bought it. Frankly speaking, I am not sure about the area of origin for 100 % - the seller just told me "south of Nigeria". I bought it in Abuja, so, in fact, it could be delivered from neighboring countries, too. Thanks once more.

[Tim Simmons]

Strong borders in the discussed areas are rather modern, as mention many times. What a pity it is not a complete example.