1: A dagger of the Tuareg people inhabiting the Sahara desert across Algeria, northern Mali and southern Morocco. The dagger has pointed double-edged iron blade. The hilt is cloaked in black leather displaying linear embossing. Inserted in the upper end of the hilt is a second, smaller iron tip for everyday usage. The dagger’s sheath is also made of black leather with lines, dots and crosses embossed upon it. At the top of the sheath’s backside is a short carrying strap and attached at the bottom is a finishing strap — both made of red leather. L: 24.5 cm (dagger in sheath).
2: A typical old camel bell of the Somali people who live in the Horn of Africa, Somalia, east Ethiopia (the Ogaden Desert), and Djibouti. The bells which they carve for their lead camels are of hardwood and always take the present characteristic form. The bells have two carrying holes above and a wider opening underneath. As is the case with this bell, usually two wooden clappers are attached on the inside and it is they that sound the bell. This camel bell is a simple and lovely object, with age patina and traces of wear as a result of protracted use — as is visible also from the ‘upwardly weathered’ carrying holes. With an old original repair on the underside (a tear mended over with iron wire). H: 19 cm; W: 23 cm; Depth: 14 cm.
Both objects in this mixed lot: First half of the 20th century. (ME)