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Old 7th September 2022, 11:10 PM   #1
tool_of_a_took
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Default Can anyone help identify this knife?

Hi guys, I recently won this knife at auction. I’m trying to find out where it came from and how old it is. I’m guessing it’s most likely a tourist piece, but I’ve never seen another one like it and I really like the design.

This was the description on the lot: “African tribal knife, possibly Shona Zimbabwe, the 22cm steel blade with all over punched decoration and antler handle; in inlaid and banded hardwood scabbard with two apertures L42cm overall.”

Done a bit of research using keywords from this description but not found anything yet. Anyone have any idea?
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Old 8th September 2022, 12:13 PM   #2
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From Cambodia before Khmer Rouge. Yes, tourist market.
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Old 8th September 2022, 10:44 PM   #3
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The muntjac deer antler hilt clearly directs our search to Indochina. They were very fond of using in their practices the shamans of the mountain peoples. But in this case, I agree with JeffS' opinion that this is a tourist item from Cambodia.
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Old 8th September 2022, 11:02 PM   #4
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Quote:
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The muntjac deer antler hilt clearly directs our search to Indochina. They were very fond of using in their practices the shamans of the mountain peoples. But in this case, I agree with JeffS' opinion that this is a tourist item from Cambodia.
Awesome, thanks guys, I never would’ve guessed Cambodia
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Old 9th September 2022, 08:20 AM   #5
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See also: Ankor Wat


Khmer knives from Angkor Wat made of wood and metal. Single-edged with tapering point. Incised on both sides with decorative motifs; with a white metal ferrule and a black hilt, probably of horn, inlaid with white metal dots. In a black wooden sheath with an aperture, with white metal dot inlay and three bands; belt clip. Probably a tourist item. Knife: 210mm long; blade 140mm long; sheath 150mm long.
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Old 9th September 2022, 08:36 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kronckew View Post
See also: Ankor Wat


Khmer knives from Angkor Wat made of wood and metal. Single-edged with tapering point. Incised on both sides with decorative motifs; with a white metal ferrule and a black hilt, probably of horn, inlaid with white metal dots. In a black wooden sheath with an aperture, with white metal dot inlay and three bands; belt clip. Probably a tourist item. Knife: 210mm long; blade 140mm long; sheath 150mm long.
Spot on. I’m finding loads of examples now I have the right keywords. Thanks for the info
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Old 9th September 2022, 07:16 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kronckew View Post
See also: Ankor Wat
Thanks kronckew! Good example!
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Old 10th September 2022, 03:13 AM   #8
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I don't have a photo, but my mother in law purchased one (with antler) as a tourist at Angkor Wat in 1969, nearly identical to OP example.
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african, antler, knife, shona, zimbabwe

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