Ethnographic Arms & Armour - Unique Beaded Takouba for sale

In looking through the swap forum, it seems to be raining takoubas! :eek:

Anyway, as the saying goes, when it rains, it pours... ;)

For sale is a rather unique takouba originally collected by the late uncle of a friend of mine who worked in Africa for De Beers during the mid-20th century (the uncle, not the friend). My friend's uncle acquired this in Nigeria in the 1950s, and until I took possession of it, it had been sitting in my friend's family's trunk since about 1960.

While no authority on takoubas by any means, I cannot recall ever having seen one before with a beaded hilt. The blade is native-made and measures 30.375 inches / 77 cm in length, with an overall length of 39.375 in. There are two fullers on either side of the blade running about 8 inches down from the hilt. IMHO, the true prize here is the scabbard, which is original to the sword. The sword is a perfect (and tight) fit in the scabbard. The beadwork of the scabbard looks Yoruba to me, and somewhat recalls the beaded crowns of Obas. Both sides are decorated with the same figural beadwork, with little variation (the snake appears to be omitting and/or spitting something on one side of the scabbard). A row of cowrie shells runs down the straight edge.

Given the quality of items in this friend's house, I am of the opinion this likely belonged to someone or prominence. A niche item for a more focused takouba collector. Priced at $350 + shipping at cost.