It sure was David, and quite honestly I am among many who have honestly tried to figure this out for some time. It is clear that the most prevalent presence of these was undoubtedly in the North African regions, but as trade competition and diversification compounded, not to mention the complexities of geopolitical strife in colonial regions globally, as well as intertribal warfare causing considerable rerouting in many trade situations (as well known in North Africa) there are many possibilities.
Factor in the native makers accomplishing some pretty impressive blades as well, and there you have it..chaos!!
All the best,
Jim