Wide Bladed Takouba

TVV · 4th February 2018, 01:06 AM

A wide bladed takouba has been on my list for a while and I finally acquired one. Based on the hilt and scabbard I have seen these attributed to Hausaland, Nupe and Ademawa. Thanks to Iain's research we know these were often carried by emir's retainers, the wide native made blades a symbol of status. This one is actually not outrageously wide, the blade is sharp and has decent flex, so it was probably intended to be capable of battle use on top of any ceremonial function. The whole sword in scabbard is 35 inches long, the blade itself is 28 inches. Compared to other takoubas with similar hilts, the pommel is quite larger. My guess on age is late 19th century.

mariusgmioc · 4th February 2018, 10:39 AM

I would say it is a good example of higher quality, made in the first half of XX century with a locally made blade (probably from spring steel).

TVV · 5th February 2018, 06:03 PM

Thank you, I agree that the blade is undoubtedly locally made, but I do not think it is from a leaf spring, but rather from locally smelted iron. The hilt features - bulbous pommel, boxy guard and the style of the scabbard decoration are usually associated with 19th century examples, but it could easily be early 20th century as well.

4th February 2018, 01:06 AM	#1
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,620	Wide Bladed Takouba A wide bladed takouba has been on my list for a while and I finally acquired one. Based on the hilt and scabbard I have seen these attributed to Hausaland, Nupe and Ademawa. Thanks to Iain's research we know these were often carried by emir's retainers, the wide native made blades a symbol of status. This one is actually not outrageously wide, the blade is sharp and has decent flex, so it was probably intended to be capable of battle use on top of any ceremonial function. The whole sword in scabbard is 35 inches long, the blade itself is 28 inches. Compared to other takoubas with similar hilts, the pommel is quite larger. My guess on age is late 19th century. Attached Images

4th February 2018, 10:39 AM	#2
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,903	I would say it is a good example of higher quality, made in the first half of XX century with a locally made blade (probably from spring steel).

5th February 2018, 06:03 PM	#3
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,620	Thank you, I agree that the blade is undoubtedly locally made, but I do not think it is from a leaf spring, but rather from locally smelted iron. The hilt features - bulbous pommel, boxy guard and the style of the scabbard decoration are usually associated with 19th century examples, but it could easily be early 20th century as well.