Opinions on a Takouba

Emanuel · 9th May 2006, 02:34 AM

Hello Jim,

This article is in french, but I've found many others in english as well. It will take me a while to read them all, but the french one confirmed Tim's observations about the wraps on the spears and the caste differentiation, and your own about Sudanic influences. About the takouba, all I've found so far is that they could be worn by nobles, vassals and captives/slaves alike. I'll see what further info I can find about the brass and decoration styles.

RomaRana, thanks for the clarification on the Maasai. It seems to me I've also heard talk of the avoidance of iron on religious principles, something to do with its inherent strength and its transmutation from ore to metal, and liquid to solid. Also, why did they regard smiths as containing a female essence as well? Could the unclean attribute be due to the oxidation of iron? Magic link between red rust and blood?
Sorry, I'm throwing a lot of questions and thoughts...

Warm regards,
Emanuel

Emanuel · 11th May 2006, 02:34 AM

Hello,

I've found some more information that generally answers the question of the use of brass on the takouba:
Aspects of the Use of Copper in Pre-Colonial West Africa
Eugenia W. Herbert
The Journal of African History, Vol. 14, No. 2. (1973), pp. 179-194

The author argues for the use of copper among African peoples as a rare, prized, magical metal. "...aside from its ornamental and status value, copper was also considered to have amuletic or magical properties, in the first case encouraging fertility, in the second warding off danger...copper and brass decoration is applied to Tuareg swords, both hilt and blade...Its purpose is to enable the sword to penetrate the magical defenses of the enemy [who is also wearing copper/brass as a protective measure], and at the same time to protect the bearer from the offensive charms of his adversary: 'A sword without copper on the hilt is destined for the demons of solitude. Sooner or later it breaks, if the owner does not loose it first.'...the Tuareg and Moors consider iron an impure metal, and neutralize it by encrusting copper and brass on [tools]"
For me this definitely clarifies the brass hilts, but I still do not understand why iron is regarded as an impure metal. I'll guess that active rust has something to do with it.

The takouba I posted really takes the concept to overkill.

I hope this is as useful to others as it was to me,
Emanuel

Jim McDougall · 11th May 2006, 03:36 AM

Emanuel,
Brilliant research!!! That is exactly what I always hope for... well supported, cited and detailed references to answer the questions we ask on particular elements on certain weapons. That will definitely go in the files!!!!
Thank you for researching that and posting it.
Well done!

All the best,
Jim

katana · 11th May 2006, 09:50 AM

The use of non ferrous metals (brass and copper) as a magical Talisman to ward off evil or to counteract the 'unclean' iron/steel is indeed interesting.
Aluminium found its way into many African cultures in the early 20C. Was this metal seen in the same light.... I wonder.

Logically, the answer is surely yes, its silvery colour, its corrosion resistance and its workability must have made an impact.
I have never seen a Takouba with aluminium covered hilts or handles, but I have seen examples of weapons both ceremonial and 'useable' that are adorned or embellished with aluminium.

Tim Simmons · 11th May 2006, 10:24 AM

Perhaps in the interest of practicality, as long as a weapon/artifact has the appropriate markings/decoration and amount of magic metals Brass/Copper for the local. Then actually touching the iron is made safe.

Emanuel · 11th May 2006, 03:14 PM

Hi Jim,
I'm glad these articles are of help.

Katana, it seems that each metal has some link to religion and mythology, not only in Africa, but the rest of the world as well. In Africa, specific metals may represent specific concepts and divine powers. The article above provides numerous examples from different peoples to this respect, and to answer your question about aluminium: "...aluminium, which has only been in use since the end of the nineteenth century, has not...made its way into myth and oral tradition, although it is often used now even in cult jewellery." Its rarity would probably account for its popularity.

Tim, the iron tools encrusted with copper/brass in the article, did indeed have it only on small areas. Even a small amount was apparently enough to counter the iron's negative properties.

It's interesting that such a simple and common (nowadays) material such as copper and its various forms was and still is so appealing to certain cultures. Its diversity -colour, form, proeprties- and its rarity on the African continent seem to have made it more desirable than gold. This really brings home the point that one culture's trash may be another's treasure.

Regards,
Emanuel

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9th May 2006, 02:34 AM	#1
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Hello Jim, This article is in french, but I've found many others in english as well. It will take me a while to read them all, but the french one confirmed Tim's observations about the wraps on the spears and the caste differentiation, and your own about Sudanic influences. About the takouba, all I've found so far is that they could be worn by nobles, vassals and captives/slaves alike. I'll see what further info I can find about the brass and decoration styles. RomaRana, thanks for the clarification on the Maasai. It seems to me I've also heard talk of the avoidance of iron on religious principles, something to do with its inherent strength and its transmutation from ore to metal, and liquid to solid. Also, why did they regard smiths as containing a female essence as well? Could the unclean attribute be due to the oxidation of iron? Magic link between red rust and blood? Sorry, I'm throwing a lot of questions and thoughts... Warm regards, Emanuel

11th May 2006, 02:34 AM	#2
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Hello, I've found some more information that generally answers the question of the use of brass on the takouba: Aspects of the Use of Copper in Pre-Colonial West Africa Eugenia W. Herbert The Journal of African History, Vol. 14, No. 2. (1973), pp. 179-194 The author argues for the use of copper among African peoples as a rare, prized, magical metal. "...aside from its ornamental and status value, copper was also considered to have amuletic or magical properties, in the first case encouraging fertility, in the second warding off danger...copper and brass decoration is applied to Tuareg swords, both hilt and blade...Its purpose is to enable the sword to penetrate the magical defenses of the enemy [who is also wearing copper/brass as a protective measure], and at the same time to protect the bearer from the offensive charms of his adversary: 'A sword without copper on the hilt is destined for the demons of solitude. Sooner or later it breaks, if the owner does not loose it first.'...the Tuareg and Moors consider iron an impure metal, and neutralize it by encrusting copper and brass on [tools]" For me this definitely clarifies the brass hilts, but I still do not understand why iron is regarded as an impure metal. I'll guess that active rust has something to do with it. The takouba I posted really takes the concept to overkill. I hope this is as useful to others as it was to me, Emanuel

11th May 2006, 03:36 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,193	Emanuel, Brilliant research!!! That is exactly what I always hope for... well supported, cited and detailed references to answer the questions we ask on particular elements on certain weapons. That will definitely go in the files!!!! Thank you for researching that and posting it. Well done! All the best, Jim

11th May 2006, 09:50 AM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	The use of non ferrous metals (brass and copper) as a magical Talisman to ward off evil or to counteract the 'unclean' iron/steel is indeed interesting. Aluminium found its way into many African cultures in the early 20C. Was this metal seen in the same light.... I wonder. Logically, the answer is surely yes, its silvery colour, its corrosion resistance and its workability must have made an impact. I have never seen a Takouba with aluminium covered hilts or handles, but I have seen examples of weapons both ceremonial and 'useable' that are adorned or embellished with aluminium.

11th May 2006, 10:24 AM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Perhaps in the interest of practicality, as long as a weapon/artifact has the appropriate markings/decoration and amount of magic metals Brass/Copper for the local. Then actually touching the iron is made safe.

11th May 2006, 03:14 PM	#6
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Hi Jim, I'm glad these articles are of help. Katana, it seems that each metal has some link to religion and mythology, not only in Africa, but the rest of the world as well. In Africa, specific metals may represent specific concepts and divine powers. The article above provides numerous examples from different peoples to this respect, and to answer your question about aluminium: "...aluminium, which has only been in use since the end of the nineteenth century, has not...made its way into myth and oral tradition, although it is often used now even in cult jewellery." Its rarity would probably account for its popularity. Tim, the iron tools encrusted with copper/brass in the article, did indeed have it only on small areas. Even a small amount was apparently enough to counter the iron's negative properties. It's interesting that such a simple and common (nowadays) material such as copper and its various forms was and still is so appealing to certain cultures. Its diversity -colour, form, proeprties- and its rarity on the African continent seem to have made it more desirable than gold. This really brings home the point that one culture's trash may be another's treasure. Regards, Emanuel