An Haussa takouba

Martin Lubojacky · 24th May 2020, 07:51 PM

I also think that the ornament extruded in the skin (small triangles in the rows) indicatecsa "Nigerian" origin of the scabbard. (I hope that Iain as expert will add his comment)

TVV · 25th May 2020, 06:04 PM

Yvain,

While the pommel looks old, the rest of the fittings do not seem to match it in age. Nice takouba, but I do not think you missed out on something unique and amazing.

Teodor

Yvain · 25th May 2020, 08:17 PM

Hi Theodor,

What makes you think that ? It was most likely cleaned indeed, hence the "new and shiny" look of the brass, but otherwise it is stylistically similar to known example from the end of the XIXth / very early XXth century, while more recent takouba (post 1940 / 50) have a really distinct style.

The pommel and the blade could indeed be older, but I don't think the rest of the fittings are that recent either.

(And I do understand it wasn't really unique, but to me it was a really appealing, harmonious, sword; perhaps because I practice HEMA, and appreciate how effective or balanced a weapon might look

)

EDIT : I also have seen takouba where the pommel was treated (maybe oil blackened) to give it a darker finish than the rest of the hilt, which could be the case here.

TVV · 26th May 2020, 01:18 AM

Apart from lacking patina, the fittings seem off compared to fittings on older takouba. I believe the sword in this thread is a 19th century blade and pommel, with the hilt and scabbard restored more recently in an attempt to emulate older work, but as usual, it is impossible for modern craftsmen to get it perfectly right, unless they are extremely specialized in antique weapons such as Phillip Tom for example. I can guarantee you that 19th century leather from the Sahel would not look this well preserved either.

Teodor

Yvain · 26th May 2020, 02:31 AM

Interesting, what date would you attribute to the fittings and scabbard ? And why do you think someone would try to emulate older style takouba ? That would be the first one I see one trying to look older than it is

TVV · 26th May 2020, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yvain

Interesting, what date would you attribute to the fittings and scabbard ? And why do you think someone would try to emulate older style takouba ? That would be the first one I see one trying to look older than it is

Since takoubas are still in use, not as weapons but more as part of male attire, in certain parts of the Sahel, it may have been refitted for someone to wear. Or alternatively, it may have been refitted to make it more appealing to someone looking for a souvenir. Only whoever did it knows for certain.

My guess for the age of the scabbard and fittings is the last few decades.

Martin Lubojacky · 26th May 2020, 09:49 AM

Yes, takoubas are in use - as a part of national costume.... The scabbard itself, the leather part, is "old". I think I can say this as I saw production of "new" scabbards in that region ago.

Re. the fittings I don´t know.

But it is questionable, as far as African artefacts generally are concerned, what to consider "old" and what is "new". You cannot compare it with European antiquities. Old in Africa (from collector´s point of view) means decades. If it is more then hundred years, it is nearly a rarity. If they get used to something nice/old and they don´t wont to get rid of it, they don´t hesitate to repair this nice "old thing" (e.g. coming from fifties) with plasitc in seventies and the museum takes it as an artefact documenting tribal life in 2020.

26th May 2020, 01:18 AM	#4
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,751	Apart from lacking patina, the fittings seem off compared to fittings on older takouba. I believe the sword in this thread is a 19th century blade and pommel, with the hilt and scabbard restored more recently in an attempt to emulate older work, but as usual, it is impossible for modern craftsmen to get it perfectly right, unless they are extremely specialized in antique weapons such as Phillip Tom for example. I can guarantee you that 19th century leather from the Sahel would not look this well preserved either. Teodor Attached Images

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24th May 2020, 07:51 PM	#1
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 858	I also think that the ornament extruded in the skin (small triangles in the rows) indicatecsa "Nigerian" origin of the scabbard. (I hope that Iain as expert will add his comment)

25th May 2020, 06:04 PM	#2
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,751	Yvain, While the pommel looks old, the rest of the fittings do not seem to match it in age. Nice takouba, but I do not think you missed out on something unique and amazing. Teodor

25th May 2020, 08:17 PM	#3
Yvain Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: France Posts: 181	Hi Theodor, What makes you think that ? It was most likely cleaned indeed, hence the "new and shiny" look of the brass, but otherwise it is stylistically similar to known example from the end of the XIXth / very early XXth century, while more recent takouba (post 1940 / 50) have a really distinct style. The pommel and the blade could indeed be older, but I don't think the rest of the fittings are that recent either. (And I do understand it wasn't really unique, but to me it was a really appealing, harmonious, sword; perhaps because I practice HEMA, and appreciate how effective or balanced a weapon might look ) EDIT : I also have seen takouba where the pommel was treated (maybe oil blackened) to give it a darker finish than the rest of the hilt, which could be the case here.

26th May 2020, 02:31 AM	#5
Yvain Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: France Posts: 181	Interesting, what date would you attribute to the fittings and scabbard ? And why do you think someone would try to emulate older style takouba ? That would be the first one I see one trying to look older than it is

26th May 2020, 09:49 AM	#7
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 858	Yes, takoubas are in use - as a part of national costume.... The scabbard itself, the leather part, is "old". I think I can say this as I saw production of "new" scabbards in that region ago. Re. the fittings I don´t know. But it is questionable, as far as African artefacts generally are concerned, what to consider "old" and what is "new". You cannot compare it with European antiquities. Old in Africa (from collector´s point of view) means decades. If it is more then hundred years, it is nearly a rarity. If they get used to something nice/old and they don´t wont to get rid of it, they don´t hesitate to repair this nice "old thing" (e.g. coming from fifties) with plasitc in seventies and the museum takes it as an artefact documenting tribal life in 2020.