African Spear Head or Dagger Blade, Tetella Region, Late 19th/Early 20th C

Description

Blade typical of daggers used by the Tetella and Kusu in the African Rain Forest, it
features a broad undulating double edge with pronounced medial ridge and narrow spear
point; broad integral lugs near the base and bored holes of varying sizes, possibly meant
to be fitted with decorative copper or brass inlays. Integrally forged ribbed ferrule with
round socket. The socket could have been fitted on a shaft and used as a spear, or fitted
into a wood handle for use as a dagger with the ribs assisting in holding it firmly in place.
Overall length 16 ½”.