Solid-Brass Dagger in Leather Sheath
Undetermined Culture, West Africa
Brass, leather, vegetal fiber
Early 20th century

Because this dagger was made of solid brass, it was surely more of an object of ceremony or prestige. Its design is quite unique, and it isn't immediately clear to which West African culture it should be attributed. 

While I don't think this dagger is exceptionally old, and also not from the Edo Kingdom of Benin, there is a related dagger published in "Antique Works of Art from Benin: Collected by Lieutenant-General Pitt Rivers," 1900, Plate 28, Figs. 188-9. That dagger shows similarities in its pommel, handle, sheath design, and blade shape. This suggests a Nigerian origin. 

 

9.375 in :: 24 cm

InventoryID #13-2767

Price on Request