Arm Dagger in Sheath
Tubu-Daza, Chad
Iron, leather
1910

The Tubu-Daza people, who are spread across Mali, Chad, and Niger, carried knives with a distinctive arrowhead-shaped iron pommel, which they affixed to short and long knives alike. These blades were made by the casted blacksmiths of the Tubu-Daza of Tibesti, Ennedi, and Wadai (Chad), yet many daggers of this type have made their way to faraway destinations like northern Nigeria and Somalia via a system of long distance trade by caravan.

Most knives of this type are described as arm daggers, which were worn in a sheath attached to the inner side of the left forearm by a loop, with the blade pointing to the elbow. The effectiveness of the arm dagger comes from it being concealed and being able to be drawn quickly. These hidden daggers were worn by men and women alike.

The Tubu (Toubou) are studied in two groups: the Teda and the Daza (Dazagra). They are believed to share a common origin and speak two closely related languages (Ginzberg, African Forms, 2000; Spring, African Arms and Armor, 1993; Tirri, Islamic and Native Weapons of Colonial Africa, 2007; Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984). 

The squared tip of the blade (and matching sheath shape) is unusual. The leather on the handle is fragile. 

20.5 in :: 52 cm

InventoryID #13-1675

SOLD