Just a new takouba

Iain · 11th April 2015, 04:38 PM

Not the most exciting one. But a nice decorative motif on the guard.

Tim Simmons · 11th April 2015, 06:05 PM

The guard appears to be Bida style.

Jim McDougall · 11th April 2015, 07:28 PM

As always, outstanding example Iain!!
Would you mind saying again the significance of wider blades in tribal protocol?
It seems some of these had ridiculously wide blades.

Tim, what is meant by 'Bida' other than the tribal name obviously? other examples?

Tim Simmons · 11th April 2015, 07:34 PM

Bida, a town and centre of manufactures of all kinds, a regional hub.

Iain · 11th April 2015, 07:45 PM

Hi Tim and Jim,

Thanks for the comments.

Yes I agree this is likely Hausa or Nupe work. Bida is a strong possibility. They were known best for brass work.

These wide blades seem to be some kind of status symbol, at least in the extreme examples. This particular one is not nearly as wide as some. But the triangular shape with the rapid taper probably makes it look wider than it is in the photos.

colin henshaw · 11th April 2015, 08:42 PM

Hi Iain

Nice sword, I like the clean lines and form. Is the blade made of imported sheet iron or locally made ?

Regards.

Iain · 11th April 2015, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Hi Iain

Nice sword, I like the clean lines and form. Is the blade made of imported sheet iron or locally made ?

Regards.

Good question, the surface texture is quite odd on most of these wide blades and unlike other blades I've found. A lot of surface pitting is usual. Frankly I'm not 100% sure of the steel source. Local I would have guessed but I could be wrong!

11th April 2015, 04:38 PM	#1
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	Just a new takouba Not the most exciting one. But a nice decorative motif on the guard. Attached Images

11th April 2015, 06:05 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	The guard appears to be Bida style.

11th April 2015, 07:28 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,943	As always, outstanding example Iain!! Would you mind saying again the significance of wider blades in tribal protocol? It seems some of these had ridiculously wide blades. Tim, what is meant by 'Bida' other than the tribal name obviously? other examples?

11th April 2015, 07:34 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	Bida, a town and centre of manufactures of all kinds, a regional hub.

11th April 2015, 07:45 PM	#5
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	Hi Tim and Jim, Thanks for the comments. Yes I agree this is likely Hausa or Nupe work. Bida is a strong possibility. They were known best for brass work. These wide blades seem to be some kind of status symbol, at least in the extreme examples. This particular one is not nearly as wide as some. But the triangular shape with the rapid taper probably makes it look wider than it is in the photos.

11th April 2015, 08:42 PM	#6
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Hi Iain Nice sword, I like the clean lines and form. Is the blade made of imported sheet iron or locally made ? Regards.