Arm Dagger in Sheath
Fur / Nuba / Bedja / Barabra / Hadendoa, Sudan
Iron, wood, leather, monitor
Mid-20th century

Knives of this type were widely used by numerous cultures throughout Sudan and attributing them to one specific group can be problematic. They were commonly found among the Fur and Nuba. Many found their way into distant areas via a system of long distance trade by caravans, ending up far to the east in Somalia and far to the west in Nigeria. 

The knife was worn on the outside of the upper arm, handle pointing downwards, and grabbed with the opposite hand. This example has a tweezer inserted into the front of the sheath. This was apparently fairly commonplace, but finding examples with intact tweezers nowadays can be difficult (Fischer & Zirngibl, Afrikanische Waffen, 1978; Sparks, “Arab Knife,” Southern Sudan Project, 2005; Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

10.5 in :: 26.5 cm

InventoryID #13-3097

Price: $250 including worldwide shipping