Hi Ian,
I agree with kubur. I think that this has "made in Syria" written on it, even though I have no real evidence supporting this.
Kindjal/straight dagger variations is a favorite theme in Syria -most kindjal-like daggers that are not actually kindjals come from Syria.
The blade looks Middle Eastern, not African and the scabbard with brass mounting is definately more Ottoman or Syrian than African. The yellow/white part does look like walrus ivory which would make African origin very unlikely.
Strange, but nice find, with what looks like good quality blade.
Eytan
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