Mystery sword for ID

[DaveA]

I've been asked to help identify the sword pictured here. The owner claims it has been in the family for generations and is from N. Africa. I don't recognize it, and I have my doubts about the age. Any ideas?

I have a few other pictures I can post if there is interest.

Thanks in advance!

Best Regards,

Dave A

[asomotif]

North Africa was my first thought seeing the picture and before reading your text. I guess the owners are right on that.

Tribe... sorry, I don't know.

Best regards,
Willem

[Valjhun]

mandingo sword, problably 60s. try the search function

[Iain]

Yes, Mandingo, I would guess mid 20th century.

[DaveA]

Gosh I love this place

[Jim McDougall]

Me too Dave !!

As observed this is a traditional Mandingo sabre which typically seem situated in regions in Mali, but of course could reach into many contiguous areas (map of 1906 attached). I was once told by a Fulani tribesman that these in his language were termed 'kata' and the scabbard was called 'holga'(=house).
I cannot see too clearly the blade, but it looks pretty old, and it seems that these were most often mounted with vintage French military sabre blades, though I have seen some with other. Like most other North African swords, these were typically remounted generation to generation, and blades travelled the trade routes. The Mandingo tribes are known to have often situated near these trade routes and many were known as 'dyula' (=merchants) which of course accounts for the availability of blades for these.