Leather-Wrapped Loop Dagger in Sheath
Benue Vallery, Nigeria
Iron, leather
Early 20th century

The loop dagger is a distinctive type that was used throughout West Africa and even found in ancient burial sites in Niger. West African loop daggers were used in ceremonies and ritual dances, and even carried as emblems of prestige among hunters (Blandin, Fer Noir. D'Afrique de L'Ouest,1992; Zirngibl, Panga Na Visu, 2009). 

There is a closely related example in the collection of the British Museum, seen here. Their comment on the object is:

"Loop daggers of this sort are found among many of the tribes of the Benue valley such as the Tiv and Basa."

13 in :: 33 cm

InventoryID #13-1877

Price on Request