Unusual takouba

Martin Lubojacky · 25th May 2015, 07:57 PM

Dear Iain,
This applied takoubalogy magnetizes me more end more ... Congartulations to the sword
Martin

Jim McDougall · 25th May 2015, 09:56 PM

Iain,
In checking through Briggs (1965, JAAS, Vol.V) I found this type hilt shown in his plate X(a). In the description of the sword there is virtually no note to this unusual style hilt with this loop extension, with most of the attention to the blade (one of the 'Spanish motto' type trade blades).
What seems significant is that this example also has the sandwiched section extending the blade, and somewhat similar style engraving.

He notes that the example is depicted in Balout & Gast (1958, pl. II) and then returns to discussion of another example of the 'motto' being seen on another blade.

It would be interesting to recheck the Briggs and example he notes from 1958 to see if the hilt anomaly might have some presence in whatever area it might be attributed to.

As mentioned, 'takoubology' is indeed fascinating as one of the specific fields of arms study which is remarkably esoteric, or 'nebulous' as Briggs describes. We are not just studying the history of the weapons....the weapons ARE the history.

Iain · 26th May 2015, 11:19 AM

Thanks Martin,

I like this word "takoubology" and think I will start using it more!

Jim,

Great catch! I forgot about that sword! I'm attaching an image here for thread readers. You are certainly right about it being worthwhile to revisit sources.

I have ordered the French book mentioned by Briggs. I would guess these are then from the Hoggar Tuareg as the French source focuses on objects from this region. Hopefully I can confirm once the book arrives.

A great point on the weapons themselves being the history. This is something that I always try to explain as the motivating factor for my very narrow field of collecting. The interesting thing for me, is that far from becoming more narrow over the years, the nature of these swords seem to forever broaden the further you look into them in any detail!

spiral · 26th May 2015, 10:25 PM

Love the sandwich!

Iain · 27th May 2015, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiral

Love the sandwich!

It really is an oddly effective way of mounting blades and is quite sturdy. A few more I have/had like this...

Iain · 29th May 2015, 05:43 PM

The French source arrived (Touareg ahaggar - collections ethnographiques du musée du bardo. Reliure inconnue). For completeness in the thread I thought I'd post an image of the sword in the book. A very near match for mine and almost entirely the same in the mount and hilt design.

26th May 2015, 11:19 AM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Thanks Martin, I like this word "takoubology" and think I will start using it more! Jim, Great catch! I forgot about that sword! I'm attaching an image here for thread readers. You are certainly right about it being worthwhile to revisit sources. I have ordered the French book mentioned by Briggs. I would guess these are then from the Hoggar Tuareg as the French source focuses on objects from this region. Hopefully I can confirm once the book arrives. A great point on the weapons themselves being the history. This is something that I always try to explain as the motivating factor for my very narrow field of collecting. The interesting thing for me, is that far from becoming more narrow over the years, the nature of these swords seem to forever broaden the further you look into them in any detail! Attached Images

29th May 2015, 05:43 PM	#6
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	The French source arrived (Touareg ahaggar - collections ethnographiques du musée du bardo. Reliure inconnue). For completeness in the thread I thought I'd post an image of the sword in the book. A very near match for mine and almost entirely the same in the mount and hilt design. Attached Images

25th May 2015, 07:57 PM	#1
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Dear Iain, This applied takoubalogy magnetizes me more end more ... Congartulations to the sword Martin

25th May 2015, 09:56 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	Iain, In checking through Briggs (1965, JAAS, Vol.V) I found this type hilt shown in his plate X(a). In the description of the sword there is virtually no note to this unusual style hilt with this loop extension, with most of the attention to the blade (one of the 'Spanish motto' type trade blades). What seems significant is that this example also has the sandwiched section extending the blade, and somewhat similar style engraving. He notes that the example is depicted in Balout & Gast (1958, pl. II) and then returns to discussion of another example of the 'motto' being seen on another blade. It would be interesting to recheck the Briggs and example he notes from 1958 to see if the hilt anomaly might have some presence in whatever area it might be attributed to. As mentioned, 'takoubology' is indeed fascinating as one of the specific fields of arms study which is remarkably esoteric, or 'nebulous' as Briggs describes. We are not just studying the history of the weapons....the weapons ARE the history.

26th May 2015, 10:25 PM	#4
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Love the sandwich!