Mandingo (?) Takouba for Comment
 

I picked this takouba up as I thought it was interesting. Looking at the takouba.org catalogue, it is somewhat similar to #49. The guard is wrapped in leather with metal plates on both sides. I am guessing this was Mandingo made or influenced based on the style of the grip and the pommel with the protruding spike.

The takouba itself is also relatively small - only 32 inches long overall with a 26 inch blade and a weight outside the scabbard of 1.174 lbs. (532 grams). The picture next to one of my larger takoubas shows the difference.

The blade looks like a natively made one imitating the European imports with three fullers, but it is unmarked - no dukari. It ends with a carp's tongue tip.

Teodor

Nice piece Teodor!

I can't be sure these are in fact Mandingo or Manding influenced, but I have always suspected it given the hilt style and the affinity that the Mandingo seem to have for finials like this on pommels.

The guard plates are tin I would guess? The stitching on the hilt leather is also different than the glue more typically seen.

This looks like a nice early 20th century piece I would say. Certainly a slimmer blade than that massive example, which I remember always felt quite hefty in the hand.

Iain .... from where do you attribute the larger example with the brass covered guard ? I have a similar example ...

I had always thought Hausa or Nupe based on the brass work.

Thank you Iain, I was hoping you would notice the thread and put a comment. The guard plates look like they were made of tin. If you feel this takouba is worthy of including on your site, please feel free to add it.

Teodor