Unique Beaded Takouba for sale

laEspadaAncha · 11th December 2010, 07:16 PM

In looking through the swap forum, it seems to be raining takoubas!

Anyway, as the saying goes, when it rains, it pours...

For sale is a rather unique takouba originally collected by the late uncle of a friend of mine who worked in Africa for De Beers during the mid-20th century (the uncle, not the friend). My friend's uncle acquired this in Nigeria in the 1950s, and until I took possession of it, it had been sitting in my friend's family's trunk since about 1960.

While no authority on takoubas by any means, I cannot recall ever having seen one before with a beaded hilt. The blade is native-made and measures 30.375 inches / 77 cm in length, with an overall length of 39.375 in. There are two fullers on either side of the blade running about 8 inches down from the hilt. IMHO, the true prize here is the scabbard, which is original to the sword. The sword is a perfect (and tight) fit in the scabbard. The beadwork of the scabbard looks Yoruba to me, and somewhat recalls the beaded crowns of Obas. Both sides are decorated with the same figural beadwork, with little variation (the snake appears to be omitting and/or spitting something on one side of the scabbard). A row of cowrie shells runs down the straight edge.

Given the quality of items in this friend's house, I am of the opinion this likely belonged to someone or prominence. A niche item for a more focused takouba collector. Priced at $350 + shipping at cost.

laEspadaAncha · 12th December 2010, 09:19 PM

More photos attached...

laEspadaAncha · 14th December 2010, 04:46 PM

Additional photos below. Price reduced to $300 + shipping... Paypal okay (add $10).

laEspadaAncha · 17th December 2010, 09:17 PM

Price reduced to $310 total incl. shipping. Paypal okay.

laEspadaAncha · 19th December 2010, 05:46 PM

Price reduced to $300 including shipping worldwide, a very fair price considering the uniqueness of this example.

laEspadaAncha · 21st December 2010, 05:46 PM

Price reduced to $275 USD including shipping.

laEspadaAncha · 23rd December 2010, 05:26 PM

Price now reduced to $260 inclusive of shipping worldwide.

laEspadaAncha · 6th February 2011, 02:10 AM

Bump for beadwork!

laEspadaAncha · 15th February 2011, 05:55 PM

Reduced to $225 + shipping at cost. PP okay...

laEspadaAncha · 26th February 2011, 05:00 PM

One last final reduction in price - $200 + shipping.

Willing to let this go at my original cost, as I need to free up a little extra $$.

11th December 2010, 07:16 PM	#1
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Unique Beaded Takouba for sale In looking through the swap forum, it seems to be raining takoubas! Anyway, as the saying goes, when it rains, it pours... For sale is a rather unique takouba originally collected by the late uncle of a friend of mine who worked in Africa for De Beers during the mid-20th century (the uncle, not the friend). My friend's uncle acquired this in Nigeria in the 1950s, and until I took possession of it, it had been sitting in my friend's family's trunk since about 1960. While no authority on takoubas by any means, I cannot recall ever having seen one before with a beaded hilt. The blade is native-made and measures 30.375 inches / 77 cm in length, with an overall length of 39.375 in. There are two fullers on either side of the blade running about 8 inches down from the hilt. IMHO, the true prize here is the scabbard, which is original to the sword. The sword is a perfect (and tight) fit in the scabbard. The beadwork of the scabbard looks Yoruba to me, and somewhat recalls the beaded crowns of Obas. Both sides are decorated with the same figural beadwork, with little variation (the snake appears to be omitting and/or spitting something on one side of the scabbard). A row of cowrie shells runs down the straight edge. Given the quality of items in this friend's house, I am of the opinion this likely belonged to someone or prominence. A niche item for a more focused takouba collector. Priced at $350 + shipping at cost. Attached Images

12th December 2010, 09:19 PM	#2
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	More photos attached... Attached Images

14th December 2010, 04:46 PM	#3
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Additional photos below. Price reduced to $300 + shipping... Paypal okay (add $10). Attached Images

19th December 2010, 05:46 PM	#5
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Price reduced to $300 including shipping worldwide, a very fair price considering the uniqueness of this example. Attached Images

17th December 2010, 09:17 PM	#4
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Price reduced to $310 total incl. shipping. Paypal okay.

21st December 2010, 05:46 PM	#6
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Price reduced to $275 USD including shipping.

23rd December 2010, 05:26 PM	#7
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Price now reduced to $260 inclusive of shipping worldwide.

6th February 2011, 02:10 AM	#8
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Bump for beadwork!

15th February 2011, 05:55 PM	#9
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Reduced to $225 + shipping at cost. PP okay...

26th February 2011, 05:00 PM	#10
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	One last final reduction in price - $200 + shipping. Willing to let this go at my original cost, as I need to free up a little extra $$.