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Originally Posted by Emanuel
Hi Colin,
In the context of Touareg daggers, saddles and jewellery, the design evokes the "Agadez cross". It is a very old symbol in Touareg culture, possibly pre-Islamic. 21 Specific types are identified, based on geographic provenance. An internet search on "Agadez cross", "croix d'Agadez" or "Rouareg cross" brings up a fair bit of info.
Cheers!
Emanuel
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A good point Emanuel. Interesting that this cross form also appears on the Nupe dagger posted by Tim.
In addition to the small brass domes appearing on weapons from the region, I have noted another peculiarity often to be found on some items of material culture (including weapons) from the Sahara/Sahel, ie. the use of green dyed leather and pieces of red cloth. These had puzzled me, one possible answer may be they are amuletic in origin, offering protection from the "evil eye". Here is an extract from the comprehensive book on the subject "Amulets and Superstitions" by E. A. Wallis Budge, 1978 reprint (chapter on Arab and Persian Amulets and Talismans).
Further contributions on these subjects are welcome...