WEST AFRICAN SLAVER’S SHORTSWORD

14 1/4" native forged blade of machete from with thickened back formed by folding the metal. Wood grip with leather band and weave covering. Leather scabbard with deep relief tooled face. The upper segment with transverse band decoration. Heavily used with the top of the grip worn through and used in that form for years. The blade tool finished with rust patches. Scabbard worn and tattered at the top, with some insect damage. These short swords were used in slave raids as well as by slaver traders when marching slaves to market.