Copper dagger from the Sahel
 

I came across this today, as it only cost a few shirt buttons I had to have it. The overall length is 284mm the handle 95mm of that. The tassels and the scabbard mouth are rather dry but just the right side of okay. A very interesting handle. The special/magic nature of copper and brass weapons has been discussed, it would be nice if there was a definitive reason for the use of such metals. These are serious old pieces, nothing to do with tourism. Northern Nigeria became a protectorate on 1.1.1900 and still very volatile in places untill the 1920s.

Nice knife Tim, the overall shape of the blade is unusual (?). I haven't as yet come across this design (African), even in steel.(iron)

Some mood music, if the link works.
http://amanaonline.com/Sokoto/sokoto_23.htm

The scabbard and the blade's motifs have an obviously Sahelian- West-African look. I agree the handle is quite interesting and unique with its general shape and motifs.

Very nice !

Zan