A Beautiful African Ceremonial Knife... Comments?

[katana]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I have seen some very similar pieces for sale. Obviously they come from a tradition but the ones I have handled, I have not be brave enough to buy. Saying that I have lost good things that way.

Are you suggesting that ,perhaps, this piece is not necessarily of any age? or for touris.......interior decorators.
I ask, because the rust on the blade looked to be recent and 'even'. There was slight discolouration which seemed to match the diamond cut-out sections of the scabbard. Also some of the copper/brass 'shine through' ,the surface oxidation, was evident in a few places where normal wear would not be usual.
Having said all that I REALLY LIKED IT, whether the iconography/ symbology had made it more attractive to me or not, I can't say, but it had something...........