Takouba, what are the chances.

Jim McDougall · 15th December 2008, 11:55 PM

Sometimes the best thing about collecting weapons is the colorful stories that accompany them! The takouba is a traditional weapon still very much part of the costume of the Tuaregs throughout Saharan regions, and often the rough pitting seen on the sometimes roughly sharpened blades imply that they are older than they really are. These blades are remounted many times during thier working life, so newer mounts, such as seen here are not at all uncommon. The blade, with very clearly stamped dukari (the crescent moons) is probably 20th century, and the mounts similar to styling seen from Agadez, Niger (Central form). Its hard to say on blade age, as noted.

All best regards,
Jim

15th December 2008, 11:55 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,284	Sometimes the best thing about collecting weapons is the colorful stories that accompany them! The takouba is a traditional weapon still very much part of the costume of the Tuaregs throughout Saharan regions, and often the rough pitting seen on the sometimes roughly sharpened blades imply that they are older than they really are. These blades are remounted many times during thier working life, so newer mounts, such as seen here are not at all uncommon. The blade, with very clearly stamped dukari (the crescent moons) is probably 20th century, and the mounts similar to styling seen from Agadez, Niger (Central form). Its hard to say on blade age, as noted. All best regards, Jim