Thanks Iain, it seems this blade shape is not exactly the same as a good number of shabrya but it is of similar size and profile, and it is not much of a reach to imagine that in diffusion there was quite a range in variation.
These regions are historically volatile with constant change geopolitically and the fact that these types of edged weapons are commercially popular throughout well into the last century makes classification all the more difficult.
Mauretania as you note has probably less presence as far as the Berbers in todays times, but culturally and traditionally recalls its importance as Berber in ancient times. It is always hard to remember that despite geographic distances these regions have always been connected to Arabia through religion and trade. The pilgrimages regularly were part of the trade routes.
It seems these blocked ricassos and the geometric patterns are quite familiar among North African commerce across the Sahara and are often collectively grouped with Tuareg items, at least in much of the literature I've seen.
It does seem the industrious recycling of old components is at hand here as also noted.
|