Hi Dugsey,
welcome to the forum
The markings represent a 'half moon' with a face, usually two facing away from each other. These were copied from European manufactured blade markings in a belief that they has talismatic/magical powers.
This is an from an interesting thread....
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5453
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Jim McDougall
I have often wondered what was key to the Saharan swordsmiths choosing the paired crescent moons such as these to place on takouba blades, and in some instances on kaskara blades to the east. It seems that these paired marks (termed 'dukari' as claimed by Briggs) they occur consistantly and become increasingly stylized to near unrecognizable form, but positioned in the same manner.
While the markings imitated by native makers suggested certain powers to be imbued in the blade as perceived from the emphasis of these on the imported European blades, it is interesting to consider the meanings of the markings as they diffuse cross culturally. What began as occult allegorical symbolism on the blades in Europe, evolved into associated quality marks by certain makers, then into folk magic and power imbuing talismanic symbolism in native perception.
All very best regards,
Jim
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Also check this out
http://www.vikingsword.com/ethsword/takouba/index.html
Regards David