Unusual African Broadsword

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by stephen wood

...I have just found this thread:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...durman+manding

- this piece is very similar to mine and has the typical decorations associated with Manding scabbards although unlike mine it has the usual flared end.

In this article:

http://www.victorianmilitarysociety....an_weapons.pdf

it is said that the Western Sudanic broadsword could be used two-handed - effectively a hand-and-a-half sword, whereas, as we know, the kaskara and takouba appear emphatically one-handed. The grip on mine, just over 6" and divided by a decorarive band seems to bear this out.

So perhaps broadswords were pan-Sudanic, hilted and decorated according to local custom. When an influx of different, curved blades occured, the Manding type was eclipsed whereas the takouba was hardly affected.

Well done Stephan!!! I had forgotten about that thread!
You present some very well placed ideas and thank you for these links offered in support. This kaskara bladed broadsword in Manding mounts AND the distinct flared scabbard tip consistant in the Sudan is key here. I had often wondered why the flared Sudanese scabbard tip was also characteristic in the Manding sabre of Mali.

Clearly there was trade connection and diffusion of weapons between the Western and Eastern Sudan, but why did the takouba remain unaffected by these features?

Your idea for broadswords being pan-Sudanic ( I like that term!) is very well placed. The broadsword blades coming into North Africa were arriving not just at one point, but a number of locations and carried into the trans Saharan routes from multiple directions, so this seems quite logical. Diffusion is by no means a set, singular pattern, and far more complex than often realized.

Excellent thoughts here Stephen, thank you so much!!

All the best,
Jim