African (?) knife

[Yvain]

Thanks! 🙂



So most likely a South American knife with a West African sheath? That's quite a travel for a knife!



Here is a picture of the bolster :

[Tim Simmons]

A Spanish knife from the Spanish Sahara. 1880 something to mid 20th century.

[Yvain]

Adding a picture of the back of the sheath, it has a Mandingo flavor to it in my opinion

[Martin Lubojacky]

Also the fastening of the belt loops somehow reminds Mali .....

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

1880 something to mid 20th century.

Hello Tim,

First date I would agree, second is too late. Late date around 1910 would be my guess.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Hello all,

I am not sure if the scabbard is West African work. Could even be a replacement scabbard from South America.
Many West African knife scabbards have a wooden core so far I have seen.

Regards,
Detlef

[Yvain]

Hi Detlef,



While the origin of the knife itself is still somewhat mysterious, I'm pretty sure the sheath is African.


In addition to the general look of it, the belt loops and their fastening are typically African (for example : https://www.quaibranly.fr/fr/explore...-gaine/page/6/) as well as the stitching and type of leather used.


I might add that I picked this knife from a lot of North-West African, see picture attached.

[kronckew]

Dealers frequently lump items together in groups and get descriptions and origins completely wrong. A past owner may have added the loops to a sheath meant to be shoved in behind a belt, like most South American knives. The subject knife doesn't seem to fit in the group of knives in the last post.

[Sajen]

Hi Yvain,

Possible, you have it in hand!

It could be that the knife right from the one in question is a Faca de Ponta as well but I need to see the blade.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Yvain

Here is a picture of the bolster :

Yes, very similar. It's somewhat typical.