East Africa Arm Dagger & Sheath, Mid-19th Century

Original era manufacture. A well made dagger as worn by tribes in the Sudan and Ethiopia around the time of the rise of the Mahdi in the 1880's and 90's.Leather scabbard with an intricately braided double loop which fit around the wearer's upper arm, to be used as a defense weapon in time of need.Six inch steel blade with a central ridge and shallow fullers on the edges, scattered staining from old cleaned surface corrosion. Carved wooden grip with an upswept guard, with the lower portion of the grip and pommel being made of bone, with an intricate carved design.This dagger is not a cheap tourist souvenir as great care and artistry were used in its making.