While I agree this dagger corresponds to similar examples I have seen, I cannot place the reference. What I think is interesting (aside from the coins, which I am also curious about), is the geometrically decorated block at the forte of the blade. It seems this feature is prevalent also on daggers with a degree of similarity from West Africa, notably Senegal, Sierra Leone, Guinea and with Reguibat Arabs from S.Morocco who are known to move to northern regions of Mali.
It would seem to suggest influence that might have diffused into Tuareg regions via the Fulani (from Guinea into Saharan regions) and by the Reguibat Arabs....or could the distinct blade feature be from somewhere else? and have diffused east to west?
Best regards,
Jim
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