Arm Dagger in Sheath
Kreish / Zande, South Sudan / D.R. Congo
Iron, bone, wood, leather, crocodile
Early 20th century

Arm daggers were worn on the outside of the upper arm, handle pointing downwards, and grabbed with the opposite hand. They were  widely used by numerous African cultures and attributing them to a singular culture can be problematic.

I have seen examples with this handle style attributed to the Hausa, likely because of the Hausa's traditional design that features a downward curving pommel with two tips. However that pommel style can also be found far to the east in Eritrea and at points in between. 

Importantly, I have only encountered arm dagers with this specific blade design attributed to the Zande. The circular designs applied to the handle are also consistent with the Zande, however the handle shape is not. It is reasonable to hypothesize that this handle design is a regional variation related to the Zande, possibly originating from the Kreish, to the north, who manufactured blades with similar sheaths, designs, and materials (Fischer & Zirngibl, Afrikanische Waffen, 1978; Sparks, “Arab Knife,” Southern Sudan Project, 2005; Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984; Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu, 2009).

11.5 in :: 29 cm

InventoryID #13-2089

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