Just spotted this photo in the news a few days ago. I assume this is a Manding man (Ouattara supporter according to the article). The hilt is fairly typical and aluminium and the dress seems about right for Manding attribution.
Please don't politicize this thread regarding the ongoing situation in Ivory Coast, I only posted this as I thought it might be interesting to share that in some parts of the world apparently the sword is still considered worth lugging around with your AK-47! Certainly seems like the sword is well cared for and a prized possession.
Photo credit and backlink (image attached here for archiving purposes):
http://english.aljazeera.net/photo_g...629947194.html