The Takouba Sword.

[Jim McDougall]

Peter, to say WELL DONE! would be an understatement! Your taking on this once well traveled topic, and despite being outside your areas of study, done far more than due diligence in understanding key points for presentation here.

You have also advocated for saving a most important field of study here from oblivion.......I admit to having become complacent as other areas were studied...but my interest is profoundly piqued again!

Clearly there are numbers of us here who over the years were deeply involved in studying these weapons, and it is so good to see them here to,
'get the band back together' !!!

Ed, VERY good point on copying those excellent works by Iain before they are lost. His work deserved to be published so that those with interests in these areas of Saharan weapons would have reference material despite loss of online source.

I do hope we can rebuild these many years of important research into an archival thread here that might provide such reference material.

Thank you Peter! and everybody coming in on this!

Jim

[Peter Hudson]

Thank you Jim, and with everyones help I am certain we can put together a most interesting thread here...Peter.

Readers may note that earlier on the page I placed the body part names of the Takouba...The button/ rectangular /conical top of the pommel is known as the 'bare head'

[Peter Hudson]

From a web source https://minikatana.com/blogs/main/af...-tuareg-blades goes on to underline the deep understanding involving this sword form...
QUOTE"Moreover, the sword as a symbol of status and valor is evident in the way it is presented and used in various ceremonies. Among the Tuareg, the act of gifting a Takouba is a gesture of immense respect, often reserved for warriors of high esteem or visitors deemed worthy of such honor. The Takouba's role in rituals underscores its importance not just as a weapon but as an item embodying the essence of Tuareg society."UNQUOTE.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Peter Hudson

From a web source https://minikatana.com/blogs/main/af...-tuareg-blades goes on to underline the deep understanding involving this sword form...
QUOTE"Moreover, the sword as a symbol of status and valor is evident in the way it is presented and used in various ceremonies. Among the Tuareg, the act of gifting a Takouba is a gesture of immense respect, often reserved for warriors of high esteem or visitors deemed worthy of such honor. The Takouba's role in rituals underscores its importance not just as a weapon but as an item embodying the essence of Tuareg society."UNQUOTE.

Peter this is the reason the takouba still resonates among these tribes as important as an element of status, social bearing and tribal tradition. So many examples identified by Iain were hilted in 70s or 80s, some even later, but with old blades that have been circulating for generations, even centuries.
This has of course often resulted in the derisive, shallow comments scoffing at many as 'tourist' souvenirs. Most of these were made for genuine tribal wear....but tourists do try to buy them, and often the tribesmen do sell them.
However, there are many occasions recounted, as by one guy I knew who had been in the Sahara, where the tribesmen adamantly declined the sale of one takouba they had.....obviously with blade of key importance.

On facebook, I think you can access pages of the takouba society still, at least in that group on facebook.

[Peter Hudson]

Hello Jim, Indeed ... I am looking through the vast references on one of the Wike sites at web... It is massive...
There are many references that are important for readers to consider Here is one that to me seemed to be on the right lines... https://africa.si.edu/exhibits/tuareg/who.html

[Peter Hudson]

Here is a selection of reference pictures to view and relate to...

[Peter Hudson]

Pictures continue...The shaped chape and tip on many weapons suggest the rounded structure and I have read that the weapon wasn't used in stabbing but was a slashing blade ...plus that the name of the tip was in the language of the Tuareg and means Tongue... I would almost be ready to say flat spatulate tip...however tongue describes it very well..
I note also that in the 8 strikes of the Takouba there is no stabbing or point thrust... rather the weapon uses slashing attacks to head, upper body and legs......anyway... no stabbing strikes. The Takouba was also used in conjunction with a spear and it is that weapon or a dagger that provided the ability to stab the opponent . I also note the use of a shield on occasions and even a stick..