Asymmetrical Dagger in Metal Scabbard
Manding (Mandingo), Senegal / Sierra Leone
Iron, brass, copper, bone
19th century

According to Spring, “Th[is] dagger shows the influence of the Hispano-Moorish civilization which flourished in the Iberian peninsula and North Africa at the beginning of the second millennium AD. This influence is also reflected in local textile traditions” (British Museum, Af1878,1101.519.a-b). There is a closely-related example in the British Museum that was collected in Senegal here (third from left).

The Mandingo are an ancient culture spread across West Africa, from Guinea to Niger. A migratory Islamic culture, they are famous for their ornate leatherwork. Their blades are simple, yet executed with precision (Spring, African Arms and Armor, 1993; Tirri, Islamic and Native Weapons of Colonial Africa, 2007; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

11.5 in :: 29 cm

InventoryID #13-2701

Price on Request