I found this extraodinary dagger in Sri Lanka in 1980.  the Dagger was likely made late 1700s in Ceylon (now Sri lanka) .The intricate design indicates it is Singalese in origin (the prominent ethnic grouping in Ceylon at the time).  The sheath is colorfully painted wood with bronze findings.  The blade seems to be iron. It is somewhat pitted but still amazingy sharp!

The top of the blade and the handle is a true work of art made of carved bronze and what looks to be reddish colored bone (could be ivory), and trimmed with bronze (scroll down).  A stub on the end of the handle could have been a mount for a jewel.