Serpentine Sword / Dagger from Burkina Faso

This curious whole steel sword is coming from Burkina Faso, used by the Turka, Lobi, Bobo and other neighboring tribes. Its shape is inspired by the bayonets of the French troops that colonized the area in the 19C. and the serpentine bending in its center comes to invoke the power a snake. So are the incisions on the blade base, an imitation to a snake skin.

Whole steel bent along the center line, reminding the cross section of early French bayonets.  Whole steel grip forged integrally with the blade.

Length 30 ½ inches (77 cm). Very good condition. Early 20C authentic and rare sword.