ETHNO KNIFE - ORIGIN UNKNOWN

[fernando]

Thanks a lot Freddy, right on the spot.
The blade, no doubt, originates from or actually is the same pattern, including the position of the three tang fixation holes. I see some crude marks in the the edge of your ex-piece, maybe a later rustic sharpening. Eventually in my example, the whole blade surface remains integral, and one can see machined marks ( not hand filing ) across the flat and along the fullers, meaning these blades were fabricated in Europe ?
Here i go now, searching the web for pictures of a sheath looking like mine ... starting by the Mandingo ... to close the circuit of this example's provenance.
Thanks again
Hi Tim
I don't get your exact meaning for dry leather, my ignorance. The sheath is of thinnest leather and, at looking to the section hidden below the pom pom, the exposed part became darker and more fragile, the type that peels off when you take the price sticker from its face Is this then defined as dry leather ? The pom pom and stopping knot threads are thicker and flexible, of a more fresh material ... not dry, then ? Despite the different consistences, i wouldn't think the tassel was a later addition, as the sheath hidden tip section has its decoration neglected, as if the artist knew that this part wouldn't be exposed.
It's amazing as i may be influenced by the the spicy smell of leather, as you put it, but i can now smell curry when i sniffed the pom pom. I like curry too, my wife makes it good, mainly chicken.
Thanks for the age atribution of 1900 or earlier, age of pieces is of primary importance to me.
fernando