Takouba saber for comments

Jim McDougall · 13th January 2010, 07:02 PM

Hi Michael,
This interesting item is indeed Saharan, and certainly a more modern incarnation of older components as you have noted, particularly the blade, which appears to be a 19th century cavalry sabre blade of hollow ground section, probably French but could be German as well.
While takoubas were typically of course with straight double edged blade, there were curved blades used as well, and if my memory serves, they were termed 'aljuinar' as per Lee Jones observations in research he completed while in the field in Saharan regions.

These curved military blades also became virtually standard on other Saharan sabres with those of the Manding tribes in Mali, which of course are quite contiguously present along with Tuareg tribes in these regions.

These swords are still a common accoutrement among tribesmen in the Sahara, and it is not unusual to see very old blades refurbished and in mounts that may not reflect entirely the traditional ones with the crossguard.

Very interesting piece, and good observation noting the resemblance to Ethiopian, although while such connection is unlikely it is an interesting note.

All best regards,
Jim

13th January 2010, 07:02 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,284	Hi Michael, This interesting item is indeed Saharan, and certainly a more modern incarnation of older components as you have noted, particularly the blade, which appears to be a 19th century cavalry sabre blade of hollow ground section, probably French but could be German as well. While takoubas were typically of course with straight double edged blade, there were curved blades used as well, and if my memory serves, they were termed 'aljuinar' as per Lee Jones observations in research he completed while in the field in Saharan regions. These curved military blades also became virtually standard on other Saharan sabres with those of the Manding tribes in Mali, which of course are quite contiguously present along with Tuareg tribes in these regions. These swords are still a common accoutrement among tribesmen in the Sahara, and it is not unusual to see very old blades refurbished and in mounts that may not reflect entirely the traditional ones with the crossguard. Very interesting piece, and good observation noting the resemblance to Ethiopian, although while such connection is unlikely it is an interesting note. All best regards, Jim