African (?) knife

[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

[Yvain]

Well, while searching for similar sheaths to make some comparisons, I did found something very interesting, namely the first picture below. Sadly, I wasn't able to find its source or anymore information about it besides the file name ("mandingo short sword old african dagger antique knife"), but I think this is still a very interesting find for several reasons.


First, and even without seeing the blade, it is a way closer match to my knife than any faca de ponta I've seen before : the handle is very similar in shape, seems to be entirely made out of bronze/brass, and with the same central turned, dark wood insert ; at first I even thought it was an old picture of my knife before noticing some slight differences. Second very interesting point : the sheath, which is also in a very distinctive african fashion, similar to what can be seen on some Mandingo/Malian knives.


It's not much, but it is definitely adding weight to Tim Simmons theory, and I would love if he could tell me more about it.


Kronckew :


This lot was sold by a private seller, not a dealer, and considering the comparable state of all of the knives, I'm led to believe that the lot wasn't created yesterday, but I might be wrong. Regarding the sheath, I don't think the loops were added later : the leather is similar to what was used on the rest of the sheath and shows similar wear, it is also a very common fastening method on african knives (see examples below) ; also, the embroidered motives made out of thin leather strips reminds me of what can be found on some Mandingo knives sheaths.


Detlef :

I also have a picture with the knives out of their sheaths, but I don't think the knife to the right of mine is a faca de ponta.




Anyway, thanks a lot to all of you for your help and suggestions, this is very interesting !