Dagger - Nigeria (No reserve price)

Traditional West African dagger with original leather sheath – Nigeria – probably Hausa tradition – before 1977

Authentic traditional West African dagger, originating from Nigeria and likely belonging to the Hausa or Hausa/Fulani tradition of Northern Nigeria.

The dagger features a long, pointed, tapered blade made manually in iron steel. The grip is clad in dark leather. Notably beautiful is the original, fully handmade leather sheath, executed in varying shades of brown leather and equipped with the original leather fastenings and carrying straps and small metal decorative elements.

Dimensions

* Blade length: ca. 20.5 cm
* Handle length: ca. 10 cm
* Total dagger length: ca. 30.5 cm

Provenance

This piece was personally purchased by the current owner in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1977, during a stay there.

Since the purchase in 1977 the dagger has remained in the same owner’s possession and was kept as a personal memento of the stay in Nigeria.

The exact date of manufacture is not documented. The item was certainly in existence at the time of purchase in 1977 and is tentatively dated to the mid-20th century or possibly earlier based on style, materials and construction.

Condition

In authentic, unrestored condition, with clear signs of age and use that fit the character of the object. The blade shows patina and superficial oxidation. The old leather of the handle and sheath shows wear, discoloration and locally damaged or loose parts.

It has deliberately not been polished, sanded or restored, so the original patina has been preserved.

A characterful ethnographic collectible with a particularly interesting and clearly dated personal provenance: Lagos, Nigeria, 1977.

Note: the attribution to the Hausa/Hausa-Fulani tradition is based on stylistic similarities with comparable West African examples; without original documentation this ethnic attribution cannot be guaranteed with absolute certainty.