[Iain]

To follow up on this, the sword Steven posted, any idea if the blade is European? It doesn't show the usual signs to me. I usually associated better defined fullers (broad, long etc) with European trade blades.

The pentagram is also used in Hinduism from what I've read. Sign against evil that sort of thing and hung outside homes. I know it's not directly related but given the volume of trade across the Indian ocean, I thought it was worth mentioning.

I'm still leaning towards a seal of Solomon interpretation. The double application of markings seems a pretty common thing with natively applied marks across the Sahel.

Maybe Ed can provide some insight into why various marks are often applied in pairs? I've never heard a definitive answer and it's something that applies to kaskara and other Sahel arms.

EDIT: I'm attaching another star I found on a Sahel weapon, the state sword of Gajere. Clearly Islamic in context and applied at the same time as the rest of the script and floral work.