• Kirdi culture, Asante, Nigeria / Cameroon

• Iron, wood, leather, monitor skin

• Early 20th century

• 16.75 x 2.875 in / 42.5 x 7.25 cm

• Height on custom display stand: 17.5 in. / 44.5 cm

The blacksmiths of the so-called Kirdi people of the Mandara mountains of northern Cameroon and eastern Nigeria produced a fascinating variety of knives, among them this dagger with its distinctive pommel consisting of two coils. Westerdijk describes this type as a “luxury dagger” (African Metal Implements, 1983).

The Kirdi people number 80,000, and are primarily farmers who live in small, autonomous hamlets. Their artistic production primarily consists of leather and metal objects as well as small terracotta figures (Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998).

Domestic shipping included. International shipping is quoted separately.

Inquire | Sign up to get our emails