Bissagos

Marcus · 3rd January 2016, 02:39 PM

The picture provided by Sajen is probably the same source that Atrzi refers to, but he questions it (as do I). The Bissagos islands are quite sparsely populated and have been dominated by the Portuguese for several centuries. It is unlikely that the indigenous peoples had the metallurgical skills locally to produce the brass work of this dagger and scabbard, let alone the steel. I showed the piece a friend who has spent many years in various African nations. He suggested Morocco or some other North African origin. Perhaps the British Museum acquired their daggers in the Bissagos islands but they originated elsewhere. I wish I had started the thread with a different title because I fear that the Bissagos title biased the discussion.

3rd January 2016, 02:39 PM	#3
Marcus Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 420	sources The picture provided by Sajen is probably the same source that Atrzi refers to, but he questions it (as do I). The Bissagos islands are quite sparsely populated and have been dominated by the Portuguese for several centuries. It is unlikely that the indigenous peoples had the metallurgical skills locally to produce the brass work of this dagger and scabbard, let alone the steel. I showed the piece a friend who has spent many years in various African nations. He suggested Morocco or some other North African origin. Perhaps the British Museum acquired their daggers in the Bissagos islands but they originated elsewhere. I wish I had started the thread with a different title because I fear that the Bissagos title biased the discussion.