Takouba: European or African copied blade ??

Iain · 15th February 2012, 10:26 AM

Hi Guys,

I'd actually discussed this one with Mauro before, so he knows my views.

I think the blade is European, the markings... I am not sure. 18th-19th century seems the most likely. The profile of the blade does not correspond to 17th century triple fullered blades - at least to my untrained eyes.

I am always extremely suspicious of markings/stamps on takouba and kaskara.

These markings are well executed but I find elements, like the spirals, somewhat crudely done. The lunar elements are very common as native engravings particularly on kaskara. The skill to apply these marks certainly existed locally.

As Jim notes (in far more detail than I could!) these themes were found over a wide range of blade styles and regions.

The mounts on this sword are probably late 19th/early 20th century.

I believe the sword featured as the logo of these forums also carries a similar lunar theme Lee?

15th February 2012, 10:26 AM	#5
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Hi Guys, I'd actually discussed this one with Mauro before, so he knows my views. I think the blade is European, the markings... I am not sure. 18th-19th century seems the most likely. The profile of the blade does not correspond to 17th century triple fullered blades - at least to my untrained eyes. I am always extremely suspicious of markings/stamps on takouba and kaskara. These markings are well executed but I find elements, like the spirals, somewhat crudely done. The lunar elements are very common as native engravings particularly on kaskara. The skill to apply these marks certainly existed locally. As Jim notes (in far more detail than I could!) these themes were found over a wide range of blade styles and regions. The mounts on this sword are probably late 19th/early 20th century. I believe the sword featured as the logo of these forums also carries a similar lunar theme Lee?