Hi Iain,
Welcome to the forum, and Im always really happy to see those of you who are always with us in the 'lurking' ranks join us, and to have the advantage of your contributions. This is a good example, a case where an interesting weapon exceeds the well known perameters.
While certainly no expert, I have dabbled a bit in the takouba subject, and from what I understand there are often superstitious elements involved with the use of metals among these people. Iron or steel is considered associated with death and dark forces, while brass and gold colored metal is a life force and positive. Obviously the use of copper, brass and these metals has been part of metalworking tradition in the western regions from time immemorial and thier skills might well have been employed to create an interpretative example of these key traditional swords.
The takouba form was well diffused through other tribal groups beyond the Tuareg tribes through the trans Saharan trade routes and nomadic interactions. The blades are often of considerable vintage and remounted many times into even present times. The use of cast brass is well known among the Mossi and other tribes in Mali and Burkino Faso and as noted, the Fulani, who extend into Guinea and other West African regions.
Often it would seem that these solid cast examples of traditional forms would serve as ceremonial or perhaps regalia type swords in localized tribal courts.
This would seem more likely for such a cast example than assuming it to be a tourist trade item, which seem characterized more in true to form mounts of the standard leather and brass embellished takouba types.
These are simply my observations based on the photo and description. Some closeups of elements would be helpful as well. I agree with Tim that Martin is one of a number here that are well established in the study of these swords, but I would not overlook the impressive field work done by Dr. Lee Jones, who wrote the article in our forum archives on these swords.
All very best regards,
Jim
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