[TVV]

A wide bladed takouba has been on my list for a while and I finally acquired one. Based on the hilt and scabbard I have seen these attributed to Hausaland, Nupe and Ademawa. Thanks to Iain's research we know these were often carried by emir's retainers, the wide native made blades a symbol of status. This one is actually not outrageously wide, the blade is sharp and has decent flex, so it was probably intended to be capable of battle use on top of any ceremonial function. The whole sword in scabbard is 35 inches long, the blade itself is 28 inches. Compared to other takoubas with similar hilts, the pommel is quite larger. My guess on age is late 19th century.