Thanks for posting the photos, Ian....I was hoping that you would.
The amount of variation in hand made weapons never ceases to amaze me, with the diversity in some so great that similarity is almost non-existant.
A couple of questions on yours, if you don't mind...1) does the black patina look artificial, as in some chinese pieces or natural, and 2) does the sharp edge appear to be or have been as a functional piece or only nominally edged vs flat on the other side?
I had another that was pewter bladed with a wooden hilt, real but strictly ceremonial as are so many African artifacts.
The more I find out about African "weapons", the more it appears that weapons from places such as Java and the Philippines were superstition free in comparison, with many of the former intended for purposes that westerners may literally never comprehend or devine.
Ironically in almost all African sacrificial knives and swords, the cutting edge is opposite the hook or "wicked looking" parts as opposed to the Kora and several other pieces of Asian and there abouts derivation.
Again, thanks for taking the time as it's truly appreciated.
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