Heavy old sword from Kano

[Iain]

Hi Martin,

I was thinking of this photo and I thought it was the same swords.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/attach...id=41037&stc=1


I wanted to write a little more about why the Fulani were militarily different from the takouba using Hausa. During the Jihad and particularly at the beginning, the Fulani did not have heavy cavalry or even foot soldiers with heavy spears for countering the cavalry. They relied on archers and very basic infantry. This could be seen particularly in the early battles with Gobir. The Fulani often made good use of the terrain and high ground to make it very difficult for the heavily armored Gobir cavalry and Tuareg mercenaries.

This again gives me a reason to see how this style of sword could have been popular, like a big knife really. The Fulani were really not a strong military force to start with, but they were excellent with tactics and their use of the bow is a little like the English against the French in Medieval times.

Best,

Iain

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hi Iain,

yes, the two swords are the same. And you are right (I apologize) - there was an iron roll around the grip of the heavier sword. I removed it, since I wanted to see the state of the iron grip and I decided to clean it, then. Then we can see the handle of iron mace from Rhoumsiki, I think, and the first heavy sword from Kano.

You have deep knowledge about the relationship between Hausa and Fulani. I think your info really support what "the elders" in Nigeria told me about this heavy knife-style sword.
Regards,
Martin

[Iain]

Hi Martin,

Thanks for confirming, I was just wondering what the material was.

There is a great online resource about the Fulani Jihad here: http://www.webpulaaku.net/defte/hasJohnston/toc.html

Very good read!

Best,

Iain