Featured Tuareg Arm Dagger ..and Mini Burmese Dha......my new finds..

Early 1900's Tuareg Dagger...( some say late 1800's ) ..22 inches.....blade 14 1/2.....
the metal work is superb
the leather work , as well...
fit and finish are exellent...
the blade is hand made ...heavy and solid....
it's a killing machine.........

Mini Dha , from Burma .... late 1800's ...
Silver ( maybe 800..) , & Ivory handle ....solid steel blade...
It's a little worked over.....but the fit is still good and the cord wrapping is there...

Been after a good Tuareg of this ilk for a while...!!

Any and all comments are welcomed..!!!
WORTHPOINT has some similare , sold items....
Prices are all over the place as these show up from time to time , mostly in Europe.

 

Man alive, how cool are those !

 

If only they could talk!!

 

Congrats on the finds -- they look great!

 

Wow!! Most impressive!!!!

 

thin strips of dyed leather.........



although the white on the right...is metal on metal...

 

I'm NOT going to get you ANGRY!!! They look very nice!!!

 

Very fine looking!! Jealous...

 

those are very nice komokwa

 

NICE!

 

Those are way cool! What great addition to somebody’s collection!

 

Agreed. Just imagine the history lesson..

 

Lovely little dha, komo.

And it is gorgeous! These forearm daggers are called 'telek'.
I love Tuareg 'stuff'.
The metal and dark wood or horn bands on the hilt make me think it was made in Mauritania, one of the many countries where the Tuareg live. Mauritanian horn is often referred to as being zebu, but I don't know if that is correct.

I don't think it is 19th century, with those near pristine colours and good condition of the leather. Tuaregs live in harsh conditions, and did so especially in former times. As Tuareg leather ages, it tends to get very dark. I would think closer to mid 20th century, but that is just me. I can't see much age on the hilt either.
Traditional Tuareg still carry these, so a more recent one is not necessarily made for tourists.

I'll see if I can post some of my Tuareg leather items for comparison.

Could be talismanic, just like the designs in the leather. Tuareg items can't exist without talismans.

 

Some of my Tuareg leather cases, so you can get an idea of the age of Tuareg leather.

A mid-century 'ettouben' or talismanic case:


A mid-century Quranic amulet box:


Below a leather kohl bottle and a talismanic case for storing kohl, bought in different locations in the region by a museum curator in 1990, when they were probably no more than 10 years old.
(I think the bottle is from Mauritania, making it quite rare. The wooden applicator acts as stopper, it is just pushed firmly into the opening.)

 

Komo, I found one which is a bit like yours, the leather could be similar in age to yours. Scroll down this page to Sajen's post:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16478&highlight=tuareg

The seller told him 1930s-40s, but both Sajen and Iain think contemporary (2012), but good workmanship. It certainly is nice quality.

 

I am late to this, but I am glad you found them and they make for great new treasures for you to enjoy.