I agree entirely with what Ham has, as always, very astutely observed.
It seems that the flyssa is one of a number of relatively late arrivals in the world of edged weapons, with another very similar (recalling years of debate) with unclear associations, being the so called 'Black Sea yataghan'.
Probably the earliest known examples of the Kabyle sword known as the 'flyssa' (for the Berber tribe associated with producing them, the Iflissen), are from c.1820's. The familiar examples often found today typically are of the form seen from c.1850's and usually have the brass stylized zoomorphic hilt and the blade inlaid with the characteristic geometric forms. The scroll type motif on this blade is notably atypical of Berber design, as has been noted.
It would seem that the Ottoman presence in North Africa clearly accounts for the influence in numerous weapon forms, particularly the flyssa, and it seems generally held that it did in fact evolve from earlier forms of yataghan with straight blade and deep belly at cutting point.
This example seems to be an excellent representation of the confluence of these distinct weapon forms. The presence of the many Caucasians in North Africa within the Ottoman sphere may account for the seemingly related horned yataghans that appear to be recurved cousins of the flyssa and as mentioned are commonly termed 'Black Sea yataghans'. While these curved swords, also deep bellied and with the needle point of the flyssa, are widely known throught Anatolia and Transcaucasia, there is at least one example of these with geometric North African markings (Tirri).
(here goes the hornets nest!!!
Seriously, I hope this doesnt draw out that really, really old tirade again...but it seemed important to illustrate the close associations of these forms.
All the best,
Jim