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Originally Posted by Jim McDougall
Extremely well noted Iain, and I'm always glad you bring up these salient details on takouba (which of course apply to kaskara in Sudan) as far as their actual modern use. I have always considered the unfortunate term 'tourist' or 'souvenier' often misapplied with many of these swords, especially so many which are quite recent relatively.
There are few who have entered into the depth of study toward the takouba as you have, and as you have shown on your site, and in your collection, the continuous tradition of these swords covers not only generations, but centuries.
What is phenomenal is that even in these modern times, the takouba and kaskara remain viable weapons among tribal peoples. As you note, even the modern examples of these swords are commonly purchased by locals, and as far as their becoming 'tourist' items, individuals are often inclined to sell the sword they have to inquiring 'guests. They then simply obtain another.
Therefore these remain authentic examples 'ethnographically', and while they may not have the often colorful history associated with the treasured blades which have been passed through generations and through desert trade channels, they are still sound representative and fascinating examples.
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I agree completely Jim, while I think most of us have a preference for older pieces and the allure of something that has perhaps seen battle, in many areas of collecting 20th century pieces should not have any stigma attached to them. They are still viable cultural items in daily use in some areas.
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Originally Posted by blue lander
I think the scabbard mounts are iron or steel underneath all that brown rust. They may have been painted black at some time, although it almost looks like forge scale or maybe it's just corrosion.
Thank you for your reassurances. I'm pleased to hear the blade is most likely made of spring steel. I have several modern khukris/goloks/parangs made from such and they're all exceptionally tough blades. The edge towards the tip is sharp enough to catch on my fingernail, and I will admit I swung it at a cardboard box and it sliced right through. I promise I won't do that again.
Do you think the hilt was once covered in leather? It looks like it was painted black so I wonder if it was always exposed. Is it typical for the crossguard to be stuffed with yarn or fabric?
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With regards to the brass I meant the suspension rings or triangles.
You'll be best placed to judge the blade having it in hand, but some of the recent takouba I've seen and handled certainly don't have bad blades in terms of toughness and holding an edge.
The hilt would have been leather covered - grip and guard. It is not unusual for the interior of the guard to be stuffed with burlap or similar material. This is common on pieces where the guard is a couple pieces of steel folded around the blade, rather than the older, boxier construction. However this style of construction is only seen on very old mounts.
Here's a 19th century example I used to own showing the same thing.
