A king among takoubas

[Iain]

My last purchase for a while turned up in the mail the other day. I have to apologize in advance for the photo quality being a bit below my usual standards - had to use my mobile phone this time.

This is a highly ornate takouba, likely from the Hausa or Nupe. These wide bladed swords were, I believe, mainly reserved for palace officials and guards. In these Sahel societies these positions commanded great prestige and the bodyguards of an emir would also often form the core of the heavy cavalry. These were also positions often held by slaves. Modern day photos from events in Nigeria and Cameroon seem to indicate that these wide blades are still associated with these positions.

This particular sword is the most ornate and massive one I have come across with a full brass plate across the forte. I have seen photos of a few more extreme examples with practically triangular blades. But this is certainly the biggest one I have that is still a usable fighting weapon. It is sharp, showing repeat sharpening and the edge shows signs of real use. Overall it is 86cm or 34 inches.

The brass work here is simply stunning, the pommel is a variant of the domed type with small stacks as well. The brass decoration is a mix of motifs often seen and on the back side of the blade plate some circular motifs that might be astral?

I am extremely pleased with this sword, it dwarfs the other takouba I have in pretty much every proportion. It is also exceptionally well made, the blade has good flex, the brass work is extremely solid. In terms of the workmanship and quality feeling in the hand, it compares best with the Medieval bladed takouba in my collection.

I've attached a photo for comparison with some of my other takouba - two with typical triple fuller blades and one with a "wide" (although it doesn't seem that way now!) blade.