Unusual North African sword possible Takouba variant

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Richard G

Could it have a use as some sort of peg or stake?
Regards
Richard

Interesting suggestion Richard!
While the fact that it is with scabbard would of course suggest it is not such an 'implement', one wonders if in Taureg culture or any of the nomadic groups of North Africa that perhaps even such an item might be afforded apotropaic imbuement.

The elements of the tribal tents are often in one degree or another, with symbolic value or with perhaps some talismanic virtue, much as we see applied to weapons in motif and markings.

It would be interesting to look more into these aspects of the materials used by these tribal people and the manner in which these symbolisms might be applied.