new takouba and I'm stumped

Iain · 9th December 2010, 04:46 PM

Nobody has thoughts or comments on this piece? I'm surprised.

VANDOO · 9th December 2010, 10:23 PM

I SUSPECT THE HANDLE MAY BE YORUBA WORK. THE BENIN EMPIRE WAS NOTED FOR ITS CASTING AND A BENIN RULER WHO WAS DRIVEN OUT BECAME THE RULER OF THE YORUBA AND THEY ALSO DO GOOD BRASS AND BRONZE CASTING. SEARCH BENIN EMPIRE ( 1440 TO 1897) (LOCATED IN AREA OF TODAYS NIGERIA) NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE CURRENT AFRICAN COUNTRY CALLED BENIN.
A VERY ATTRACTIVE ITEM AND PROBABLY BELONGED TO SOMEONE OF HIGH RANK ESPECIALLY IF IT IS GOLD PLATED.

Battara · 9th December 2010, 10:50 PM

You know as I look at this I would venture to say it is gold or gold plated. The only way to tell for sure is for a jeweler to do a scratch test from inside the hilt, then they would be able to tell for sure if gold or gold plate.

I tested a gold nimcha that Rsword has and to both our surprises it was above 10k gold. Go to a jewelry store and find out - would be worth it.

Either way, nice nobility piece.

Jim McDougall · 10th December 2010, 01:53 AM

I am inclined to agree with Vandoo's assessment in the probable region where this sword must be from, and the central fullering is similar to the takoubas, but rather roughly applied. In some spots the fullers are disconnected. While perhaps not Hausa, the blade seems to be reflecting that influence.

The yellow metal hilt is unusual and cast, corresponding to metalwork of these areas as well as Mossi and some others like the Dogon, who I believe have cast hilts. If this sword was possibly regalia it very well could be gold plated, but in agreeing with Battara, if high grade gilt might be worth $$$.

The architecturally structured disposition of the hilt might suggest an important sword as far as regalia or tribal person of rank. The pommel does seem to reflect the pyramidal shape on takoubas.

All the best,
Jim

Iain · 10th December 2010, 07:33 AM

Thanks for the comments guys.

Vandoo and Jim; I was also thinking this general area. There is a long history of interaction between the Yoruba and Hausa. The Yoruba are noted for iron working as well as casting. So it would make sense to me that this could be a native Yoruba blade, crudely imitating a more typical takouba. Obviously when paired with the hilt though it was not considered of inferior craftsmanship. The blade is surprisingly "ok" as I noted before there is some flex and it is sharp. I'm sure it is original to the hilt as from what I can see the method of mounting appears to have been the mold made up for the hilt filled with the base metal (I assume brass) of the cast and then the blade actually inserted while the metal was still liquid, the blade is absolutely firm in the hilt.

Battara; thanks for giving me hope on the gold plate. I did another vinegar test and thought I might have seen some reddish stain developing but I'm not sure. Also did the taste test and it does seem a bit coppery. Regardless I will take it to a jeweler when I can find one here in Prague who can test it. Was gold ever mixed with brass for casting? Initial online research seems to indicate that brass was pretty flexible as an alloy.

Many thanks again guys for the comments and thoughts. I'm liking this piece more and more.

9th December 2010, 04:46 PM	#1
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Nobody has thoughts or comments on this piece? I'm surprised.

9th December 2010, 10:23 PM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	I SUSPECT THE HANDLE MAY BE YORUBA WORK. THE BENIN EMPIRE WAS NOTED FOR ITS CASTING AND A BENIN RULER WHO WAS DRIVEN OUT BECAME THE RULER OF THE YORUBA AND THEY ALSO DO GOOD BRASS AND BRONZE CASTING. SEARCH BENIN EMPIRE ( 1440 TO 1897) (LOCATED IN AREA OF TODAYS NIGERIA) NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE CURRENT AFRICAN COUNTRY CALLED BENIN. A VERY ATTRACTIVE ITEM AND PROBABLY BELONGED TO SOMEONE OF HIGH RANK ESPECIALLY IF IT IS GOLD PLATED.

9th December 2010, 10:50 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	You know as I look at this I would venture to say it is gold or gold plated. The only way to tell for sure is for a jeweler to do a scratch test from inside the hilt, then they would be able to tell for sure if gold or gold plate. I tested a gold nimcha that Rsword has and to both our surprises it was above 10k gold. Go to a jewelry store and find out - would be worth it. Either way, nice nobility piece.

10th December 2010, 01:53 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,292	I am inclined to agree with Vandoo's assessment in the probable region where this sword must be from, and the central fullering is similar to the takoubas, but rather roughly applied. In some spots the fullers are disconnected. While perhaps not Hausa, the blade seems to be reflecting that influence. The yellow metal hilt is unusual and cast, corresponding to metalwork of these areas as well as Mossi and some others like the Dogon, who I believe have cast hilts. If this sword was possibly regalia it very well could be gold plated, but in agreeing with Battara, if high grade gilt might be worth $$$. The architecturally structured disposition of the hilt might suggest an important sword as far as regalia or tribal person of rank. The pommel does seem to reflect the pyramidal shape on takoubas. All the best, Jim

10th December 2010, 07:33 AM	#5
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Thanks for the comments guys. Vandoo and Jim; I was also thinking this general area. There is a long history of interaction between the Yoruba and Hausa. The Yoruba are noted for iron working as well as casting. So it would make sense to me that this could be a native Yoruba blade, crudely imitating a more typical takouba. Obviously when paired with the hilt though it was not considered of inferior craftsmanship. The blade is surprisingly "ok" as I noted before there is some flex and it is sharp. I'm sure it is original to the hilt as from what I can see the method of mounting appears to have been the mold made up for the hilt filled with the base metal (I assume brass) of the cast and then the blade actually inserted while the metal was still liquid, the blade is absolutely firm in the hilt. Battara; thanks for giving me hope on the gold plate. I did another vinegar test and thought I might have seen some reddish stain developing but I'm not sure. Also did the taste test and it does seem a bit coppery. Regardless I will take it to a jeweler when I can find one here in Prague who can test it. Was gold ever mixed with brass for casting? Initial online research seems to indicate that brass was pretty flexible as an alloy. Many thanks again guys for the comments and thoughts. I'm liking this piece more and more.