Identify this pair of weapons

Jim McDougall · 1st March 2005, 04:09 AM

Hi Mike,
This colorful piece you post is most definitely Saharan, and as you note, quite ceremonial. While it is likely found in Tuareg territorial regions, it is most likely not Tuareg, even though clearly influenced by their weapons as you have observed. The blade seems almost like a remnant of a shamshir blade with the clear parabolic curve. The flamboyance of the hilt and scabbard suggest to me Burkina Faso regions, where Mossi tribes prevail, and the extreme colors bring to mind the Fulani of these same regions (who incidentally also carry takoubas). The opposed semi circles on the blades seem interpretive of the opposed crescents seen on takoubas, which may be the Tuareg influence suggested.

I like the reference to Artzi's comment.His perspective on ethnographic weapons is brilliant, and his opinions in discussions paramount. As he perceptively has noted, in these regions even weapons that are primarily elements of costume, are meant to be worn traditionally and carry great significance to those who wear them. Although many are not of the high quality once required when prime combat weapons, they are not simply 'tourist items', in most cases. The ones that are can be easily recognized...they look more like letter openers!

All the best,
Jim

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1st March 2005, 04:09 AM	#9
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi Mike, This colorful piece you post is most definitely Saharan, and as you note, quite ceremonial. While it is likely found in Tuareg territorial regions, it is most likely not Tuareg, even though clearly influenced by their weapons as you have observed. The blade seems almost like a remnant of a shamshir blade with the clear parabolic curve. The flamboyance of the hilt and scabbard suggest to me Burkina Faso regions, where Mossi tribes prevail, and the extreme colors bring to mind the Fulani of these same regions (who incidentally also carry takoubas). The opposed semi circles on the blades seem interpretive of the opposed crescents seen on takoubas, which may be the Tuareg influence suggested. I like the reference to Artzi's comment.His perspective on ethnographic weapons is brilliant, and his opinions in discussions paramount. As he perceptively has noted, in these regions even weapons that are primarily elements of costume, are meant to be worn traditionally and carry great significance to those who wear them. Although many are not of the high quality once required when prime combat weapons, they are not simply 'tourist items', in most cases. The ones that are can be easily recognized...they look more like letter openers! All the best, Jim