This is an exceptional example of a Shona knife of which thousands of variants are to be seen. In this particular example the many characteristics associated with these knives are brought together with aesthetic elegance. Note the conical finial, the pyramid-shaped section near the top of the sheath, the section of tightly bound sinew, the pronounced foot, as well as the complex geometric patterns and designs recalling the rhythm of indigenously woven materials such as wire and grass. For a small range of the variations in scale and detailing, see HPN Muller and Jon F Snellerman, Industrie des Cafres du Sud-est de L'Afrique, Leyden, c1895, plate IX where they are categorised as 'Zambèze'.