Interesting Takouba

stephen wood · 16th July 2010, 01:12 AM

...no, I don't have it yet but as far as I can see there are no markings on the blade.

Of interest - the Hausa word for "sword" is said to be "takobi" (singular) "takoba" (plural). The Nouba word for the same is "fareynga".

Many thanks for your encouragement.

Jim McDougall · 17th July 2010, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen wood

...no, I don't have it yet but as far as I can see there are no markings on the blade.

Of interest - the Hausa word for "sword" is said to be "takobi" (singular) "takoba" (plural). The Nouba word for the same is "fareynga".

Many thanks for your encouragement.

Interesting to see that the term 'takouba' from the tamasheq language of the Tuareg is also in the Hausa language as noted. It seems the 'Kano' dialect is the most commonly used Hausa dialect and also used with Fulani....I dont believe the term takouba is used in Fulani, at least not from what I have learned from Fulani speakers.

Also interesting to see the term 'fareynga' for sword in the Nuba language, apparantly this term, seems remarkably close to the familiar 'firangi' which is known in western regions in India as referring to a 'foreign' blade. The term itself seems with Persian root that evolved into use in Arab and other languages, with that general meaning, and often applied to swords.

Terminology of weapons is always an adventure, and has been to topic of lots of discussions through the years. Im certainly no linguist, but have learned a lot from those who sometimes post here who are.

stephen wood · 17th July 2010, 11:55 AM

...yes, a foreign blade locally hilted.

This photo appears to show a "Southern" type Takouba but is not from the region one might expect and the two "Southern" types discussed here Etude de 2 Takouba are old and are also from Algeria.

Jim McDougall · 18th July 2010, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen wood

...yes, a foreign blade locally hilted.

This photo appears to show a "Southern" type Takouba but is not from the region one might expect and the two "Southern" types discussed here Etude de 2 Takouba are old and are also from Algeria.

Thank you for linking the excellent work of Louis-Pierre Cavaille!!!
He really did some outstanding research and well presented.

Iain · 21st July 2010, 08:32 AM

Yes, takouba are not unknown in Algeria. The range of Tuareg and other nomadic tribes stretched through these areas as well.

The globular pommels are indicative of early pieces (although other variations are documented from turn of the century at least).

The other two Algerian pieces you linked were posted first on one of the older incarnations of this forum if I remember correctly. With established dating of 1830 I consider them very important examples.

I am still quite interested to see more details of the takouba you posted when you have a chance to make additional photos.

All the best,

Iain

Iain · 7th September 2010, 10:45 AM

I wanted to revive this thread to ask Stephen if you received this sword? I'd still be interested to see better photos especially of any blade markings...

Best,

Iain

stephen wood · 8th September 2010, 01:17 PM

...it should arrive soon Iain - when it does I'll post more pictures.

17th July 2010, 11:55 AM	#3
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	...yes, a foreign blade locally hilted. This photo appears to show a "Southern" type Takouba but is not from the region one might expect and the two "Southern" types discussed here Etude de 2 Takouba are old and are also from Algeria. Attached Images Last edited by stephen wood; 17th July 2010 at 12:40 PM.

16th July 2010, 01:12 AM	#1
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	...no, I don't have it yet but as far as I can see there are no markings on the blade. Of interest - the Hausa word for "sword" is said to be "takobi" (singular) "takoba" (plural). The Nouba word for the same is "fareynga". Many thanks for your encouragement.

21st July 2010, 08:32 AM	#5
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Yes, takouba are not unknown in Algeria. The range of Tuareg and other nomadic tribes stretched through these areas as well. The globular pommels are indicative of early pieces (although other variations are documented from turn of the century at least). The other two Algerian pieces you linked were posted first on one of the older incarnations of this forum if I remember correctly. With established dating of 1830 I consider them very important examples. I am still quite interested to see more details of the takouba you posted when you have a chance to make additional photos. All the best, Iain

7th September 2010, 10:45 AM	#6
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	I wanted to revive this thread to ask Stephen if you received this sword? I'd still be interested to see better photos especially of any blade markings... Best, Iain

8th September 2010, 01:17 PM	#7
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	...it should arrive soon Iain - when it does I'll post more pictures.