Very odd Sudanese sword for discussion

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 19th October 2012, 04:47 PM

Salaams ~ Note to Library.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Note. Quote"Takoba From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Takoba (also takuba or takouba) is the sword that is used across the western Sahel and among ethnic groups such as the Tuareg, the Hausa, the Fulani. It usually measures about one meter. Takoba blades can exhibit several notable features, including three or more hand-ground fuller grooves and a rounded point. The word, takoba, is derived from Hausa takobi, but is also used among other peoples Tuareg and the Fulani. Takoba were also commonly manufactured in Hausa city states such as Kano.

Since the Tuareg have an aversion to touching iron, the takoba's handle, like many iron implements, is covered in bronze or other material.

There is much debate about whether the takoba was used only by the imúšaɣ or warrior class or whether it could be borne by vassals.
As with most crafted items used by the Tuareg, takoba are crafted by the ìnhædʻæn (singular énhædʻ) caste, who are of a different ethnicity from the imúšaɣ and speak Ténet, a secret language. The imúšaɣ believe that the ìnhædʻæn have magical powers, which some theorize to be associated with their traditional roles as metalworkers and to the imúšaɣ aversion to both metalworking and touching iron". Unquote.

Iain · 19th October 2012, 05:00 PM

Hi Ibrahiim, the sword in question is certainly not Tuareg.

By the way I really need to update my write up on Wikipedia

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 20th October 2012, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iain

Hi Ibrahiim, the sword in question is certainly not Tuareg.

By the way I really need to update my write up on Wikipedia

Salaams ~ Aha ! Someone paid a lot of money for a ...fake! (they ought to have read your description first)...!

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Iain · 21st October 2012, 04:11 PM

Hi Ibrahiim, this may well be a case of something not being entirely a fake, but simple put together to please the buyer. There have been other ornate kaskara style swords to come out of the post Mahdist war period. One was discussed here a little while back and the particular lot also included some odd throwing knives that also looked to be imitations.

Odd stuff and nothing I'd want to collect - but obviously someone did!

19th October 2012, 04:47 PM	#1
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Why Tauregs don't like touching Iron. Salaams ~ Note to Library. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Note. Quote"Takoba From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Takoba (also takuba or takouba) is the sword that is used across the western Sahel and among ethnic groups such as the Tuareg, the Hausa, the Fulani. It usually measures about one meter. Takoba blades can exhibit several notable features, including three or more hand-ground fuller grooves and a rounded point. The word, takoba, is derived from Hausa takobi, but is also used among other peoples Tuareg and the Fulani. Takoba were also commonly manufactured in Hausa city states such as Kano. Since the Tuareg have an aversion to touching iron, the takoba's handle, like many iron implements, is covered in bronze or other material. There is much debate about whether the takoba was used only by the imúšaɣ or warrior class or whether it could be borne by vassals. As with most crafted items used by the Tuareg, takoba are crafted by the ìnhædʻæn (singular énhædʻ) caste, who are of a different ethnicity from the imúšaɣ and speak Ténet, a secret language. The imúšaɣ believe that the ìnhædʻæn have magical powers, which some theorize to be associated with their traditional roles as metalworkers and to the imúšaɣ aversion to both metalworking and touching iron". Unquote.

19th October 2012, 05:00 PM	#2
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Hi Ibrahiim, the sword in question is certainly not Tuareg. By the way I really need to update my write up on Wikipedia

21st October 2012, 04:11 PM	#4
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Hi Ibrahiim, this may well be a case of something not being entirely a fake, but simple put together to please the buyer. There have been other ornate kaskara style swords to come out of the post Mahdist war period. One was discussed here a little while back and the particular lot also included some odd throwing knives that also looked to be imitations. Odd stuff and nothing I'd want to collect - but obviously someone did!