...a very interesting discussion.
One key difference between the kaskara and the takouba is the tang:
Kaskaras have a shorter, blunt tang which has a hole for an iron peg to hold the hilt assembly together. Like a mamluk sword.
Takoubas have a longer tang which is peened at the pommel. Like a European sword.
While I was researching my talk on the Kaskara for the Arms and Armour Society I found that it had been around for a long time: this 1821 image of a King of Sennar is the earliest depiction of which I am aware, although I know of earlier descriptions.
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