Takouba question

Jim McDougall · 27th November 2007, 09:36 PM

Hi Justin,
Its really tough to find old takoubas these days, and although this example is indeed not old at all, its important to remember that the takouba is still an important element of Tuareg costume. While they do of course sell these readily to tourists, I believe they still wear them as well. Naturally, as Lee Jones will attest, the weapon du jour is actually the AK-47, but the trusty takouba often is stubbornly worn at the side

I think the scabbard throat band is interesting, as the loose basket weave motif resembles certain blade motif from certain Eastern European trade blades (see the early makers marks thread and the Polish sabre blade with sacred heart motif).

While not truly 'antique' , it is still an authentic 'ethnographic' piece that serves as representative of the traditional form.

All the best,
Jim

Justin · 27th November 2007, 11:03 PM

You bring up a good point Jim, and that is why I didn't automatically assume that this was a tourist piece.I have seen plenty of photos and video of modern Touregs wearing Takouba's. As you point out, a Takouba sharpened or not is definately going to take a back seat as a weapon to a gun or bomb but that doesnt mean they aren't still worn and therefore 'used'.Likewise I have also seen the Afar carrying Gile's along with their Ak 47's of course...

When I first started collecting I bought a nice antique Takouba at a local flea market (would you believe I got it for 20 bucks?) and I turned around and sold it on ebay for 60

.Since then this is the third one I have bought, the sale fell through on the first two and now there is this one, I think by selling the first one I may have incurred the Takouba curse !

27th November 2007, 09:36 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Hi Justin, Its really tough to find old takoubas these days, and although this example is indeed not old at all, its important to remember that the takouba is still an important element of Tuareg costume. While they do of course sell these readily to tourists, I believe they still wear them as well. Naturally, as Lee Jones will attest, the weapon du jour is actually the AK-47, but the trusty takouba often is stubbornly worn at the side I think the scabbard throat band is interesting, as the loose basket weave motif resembles certain blade motif from certain Eastern European trade blades (see the early makers marks thread and the Polish sabre blade with sacred heart motif). While not truly 'antique' , it is still an authentic 'ethnographic' piece that serves as representative of the traditional form. All the best, Jim

27th November 2007, 11:03 PM	#2
Justin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 178	You bring up a good point Jim, and that is why I didn't automatically assume that this was a tourist piece.I have seen plenty of photos and video of modern Touregs wearing Takouba's. As you point out, a Takouba sharpened or not is definately going to take a back seat as a weapon to a gun or bomb but that doesnt mean they aren't still worn and therefore 'used'.Likewise I have also seen the Afar carrying Gile's along with their Ak 47's of course... When I first started collecting I bought a nice antique Takouba at a local flea market (would you believe I got it for 20 bucks?) and I turned around and sold it on ebay for 60 .Since then this is the third one I have bought, the sale fell through on the first two and now there is this one, I think by selling the first one I may have incurred the Takouba curse !