Interesting Takouba

Iain · 14th July 2010, 10:36 AM

Hi Stephen,

That's a quite old 19th century takouba in the southern style. Two similar ones can be seen in the Museum of Natural History collections:

http://anthro.amnh.org/anthropology/...%20%20126%20AB

http://anthro.amnh.org/anthropology/...%20%20127%20AB

Both examples have a Nigerian attribution. Given the recent discussions Jim noted about the cross influences of kaskara and takouba in Hausa areas I would think it fairly safe to say yours could be from these northern Nigeria regions.

I would not assume that yours had brass plates, as you can see in one example I posted it appears that rivets hold the leather in place on the guard.

Can I ask if the sword is in your personal collection? I would look forward to seeing detailed shots of the fullers, half moons (I assume they are present?) etc if you could post such details.

Best,

Iain

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14th July 2010, 10:36 AM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Hi Stephen, That's a quite old 19th century takouba in the southern style. Two similar ones can be seen in the Museum of Natural History collections: http://anthro.amnh.org/anthropology/...%20%20126%20AB http://anthro.amnh.org/anthropology/...%20%20127%20AB Both examples have a Nigerian attribution. Given the recent discussions Jim noted about the cross influences of kaskara and takouba in Hausa areas I would think it fairly safe to say yours could be from these northern Nigeria regions. I would not assume that yours had brass plates, as you can see in one example I posted it appears that rivets hold the leather in place on the guard. Can I ask if the sword is in your personal collection? I would look forward to seeing detailed shots of the fullers, half moons (I assume they are present?) etc if you could post such details. Best, Iain