Unusual African short sword / knife

[Sajen]

Agreed!

[Iain]

It can be from a number of groups who shared by the 20th century a similar leather working style, including the Hausa, Fulani, Tuareg, and even further into west Africa. I'd put it tentatively as Hausa/Fulani though.

It looks like a reused blade for sure.

[fennec]

Also the three fuller are often on touareg takuba, if is a reused Sword as mentioned, it can explain why they are not centered. Is it one edged or both sides are sharpened ?
For the handle, Ive rarely seen zoomorphic handles on touareg art, more like geometric forms.

[Richard G]

Looks as if it is trying to copy a bayonet.
Regards
Richard

[tool_of_a_took]

Originally Posted by fennec

Also the three fuller are often on touareg takuba, if is a reused Sword as mentioned, it can explain why they are not centered. Is it one edged or both sides are sharpened ?
For the handle, Ive rarely seen zoomorphic handles on touareg art, more like geometric forms.

There’s a few inches sharpened along the back edge near the tip

[Lee]

I wonder if the blade has come from a locally made machete as I have seen blades of similar length and form with the three crude fullers sold new with scales made from salvaged tire rubber riveted on in West Africa.

I have an example - not immediately at hand - of such a blade with an extender forte section mounted properly as a takouba.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Lee

I wonder if the blade has come from a locally made machete as I have seen blades of similar length and form with the three crude fullers sold new with scales made from salvaged tire rubber riveted on in West Africa.

I have an example - not immediately at hand - of such a blade with an extender forte section mounted properly as a takouba.

I happen to have one here of the ilk... is this what you mean Lee?

[Lee]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

Is this what you mean Lee?

Yes, except yours is nicer than those I was thinking of. It is easy to see how the original poster's blade could, with some reshaping, have come from such a machete. I believe the original poster's item is a genuine ethnographic artifact, made for local use rather than merely trade with the traveler. I will endeavor to present a few photos within a few days.