I'm following what you're saying David, the shape of the pommel in the peaked form would be somewhat effective for 'pommeling', particularly if the pommel was fully shaped. The concept of bludgeoning with weapons which obviously are intended for other use is it seems often overlooked by many. As I often confess I am not too keen on the martial dynamics on weapons as I typically am lost in typology and symbolism.
It is well known of course with single shot firearms in the early days, that after the gun was fired that in the heat of combat it quickly became a bludgeoning weapon (the large knobs on Caucasian pistols, steel caps on early flintlock and percussion pistols, Davy Crockett at the Alamo
In close quarters where combatants were locked in closely in a melee, and there was little or no room to swing a sword, pommeling seems to have afforded an almost instinctive solution to at least momentarily stunning the opponent. These are simply my lay observations.
While it seems a bit optimistic, I am wondering if the pommel shape may have had influence from the medieval swords and blades that found thier way in some degree into regions of North Africa. It seems well established that the elements of the hilts of both kaskara and takouba reflect influences of these European hilts.As has been discussed in other threads, the hilts of the baselard is likely for the Moroccan s'boula ("Zanzibar sword") while the hilt of the koumyya is believed to have come from the Italian (Venetian or Genoese) cinqueda.
Many of these civilizations in Saharan and West African regions have origins into medieval times, and in many cases adopted European weaponry and armor among many other cultural influences. It has often been discussed in literature and history that the mounted warriors of Bornu resemble medieval knights with lances, mail, broadswords and so on. The trade deep into Mali early brought the world awareness of Timbuctou. I personally feel that there is distinct possibility that the pommel shape of medieval swords (I think the style I refer to is 'brazil nut' but my Oakeshott references are not handy) may be at least subliminally represented in these distinct shapes.
As always Tim, you make extremely valid points, and I always find your attention to the metallurgy and production processes completely fascinating. Again, another of my areas of limited understanding and knowledge is that of these fields, and I like the way you explain them so that a lay person such as myself can easily follow. It really does help understand these weapons better to know more on how they were made.
Luc, I always look forward to your input, and given the knowledge you clearly have on African weapons, always hope for detailed observations and opinions. I admit I'm greedy that way
! You and the others into African
weapons have some keen insights into them, and I want to know more.
All best regards,
Jim