African sword for comment/discussion

Taffjones · 19th January 2013, 01:53 PM

Hi Guys,
This sword which I believe to be African measures 96cm in length and 5cm in width at the hilt end tapering down to approximately 1cm at the tip. The blade is not very thick but is not a flimsy pressed metal item and does have a fuller. The scabbard is leather.

Thanks in advance

Darren

Sajen · 19th January 2013, 02:24 PM

It is a takouba from North Africa. Martin Lubojacky or Iain will be able to tell you a lot more about your sword. Do a little research with this keyword and you will see a lot more. And here a great page about this swords: http://takouba.org/?

Regards,

Detlef

Taffjones · 19th January 2013, 05:35 PM

Thanks for the advice Detlef. This link is a tremendous resource

Regards

Darren

Sajen · 19th January 2013, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taffjones

Thanks for the advice Detlef. This link is a tremendous resource

Regards

Darren

Hello Darren,

the page is from Ian and I am nearly sure that he will tell you more about yours.

Regards,

Detlef

Jim McDougall · 19th January 2013, 08:43 PM

Nicely described, and good images Darren, thank you.
Detlef thank you for linking Iain's website which is distinctly the best resource for the study of these takouba and associated swords to date.

While Iain can easily comment on this characteristic example, I would like to hear more thoughts from you guys, with this resource offering distinct comparisons with which to guage. As Iain has shown, there is far more to these swords than being just 'Tuareg' or 'African'. These are profound examples of the tribal heritages that exist into present times, and these weapons do not need to be 'old' to be remarkable and colorful icons of these swords still very much part of these cultures.

Iain · 20th January 2013, 03:37 PM

thanks for linking to my page Sajen and I'm glad its helpful for you Darren.

This takouba looks to have a native blade and I recognize the decorative patterns on the hilt as well. The one side has a floral motif that is often seen on these.

This is probably a Hausa sword going by the decorative patterns on the leather. Although it doesn't have the large metal scabbard fittings sometimes seen on Hausa swords.

the scabbard overall resembles this one of mine pretty closely. http://takouba.org/takouba13/

I sent you a PM.

19th January 2013, 01:53 PM	#1
Taffjones Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Abertridwr Posts: 50	African sword for comment/discussion Hi Guys, This sword which I believe to be African measures 96cm in length and 5cm in width at the hilt end tapering down to approximately 1cm at the tip. The blade is not very thick but is not a flimsy pressed metal item and does have a fuller. The scabbard is leather. Thanks in advance Darren Attached Images

19th January 2013, 02:24 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	It is a takouba from North Africa. Martin Lubojacky or Iain will be able to tell you a lot more about your sword. Do a little research with this keyword and you will see a lot more. And here a great page about this swords: http://takouba.org/? Regards, Detlef

19th January 2013, 05:35 PM	#3
Taffjones Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Abertridwr Posts: 50	Thanks for the advice Detlef. This link is a tremendous resource Regards Darren

19th January 2013, 08:43 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,944	Nicely described, and good images Darren, thank you. Detlef thank you for linking Iain's website which is distinctly the best resource for the study of these takouba and associated swords to date. While Iain can easily comment on this characteristic example, I would like to hear more thoughts from you guys, with this resource offering distinct comparisons with which to guage. As Iain has shown, there is far more to these swords than being just 'Tuareg' or 'African'. These are profound examples of the tribal heritages that exist into present times, and these weapons do not need to be 'old' to be remarkable and colorful icons of these swords still very much part of these cultures.

20th January 2013, 03:37 PM	#6
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	thanks for linking to my page Sajen and I'm glad its helpful for you Darren. This takouba looks to have a native blade and I recognize the decorative patterns on the hilt as well. The one side has a floral motif that is often seen on these. This is probably a Hausa sword going by the decorative patterns on the leather. Although it doesn't have the large metal scabbard fittings sometimes seen on Hausa swords. the scabbard overall resembles this one of mine pretty closely. http://takouba.org/takouba13/ I sent you a PM.