West African ? sword for I.D. and comment.

Iain · 17th October 2011, 12:21 PM

I agree there are differences between the types - but I would consider them all from the same family. Hilt style is broadly similar - wood, with bulbous protrusions to form guard and pommel (of course the Mandingo of the Sahel are using a leather hilt with a brass pommel that is entirely different). Blade style also often shares common characteristics with half moon stamps and fullers taken or influenced by takouba blades.

Mandingo curved blades are either usually French military sabre blades or native copies.

Toma also belong to the Mande linguistic group. So they should be related to some extent.

Sadly I have never seen a good resource for Mali Empire era weaponry. It is not a widely studied area I think.

17th October 2011, 12:21 PM	#25
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	I agree there are differences between the types - but I would consider them all from the same family. Hilt style is broadly similar - wood, with bulbous protrusions to form guard and pommel (of course the Mandingo of the Sahel are using a leather hilt with a brass pommel that is entirely different). Blade style also often shares common characteristics with half moon stamps and fullers taken or influenced by takouba blades. Mandingo curved blades are either usually French military sabre blades or native copies. Toma also belong to the Mande linguistic group. So they should be related to some extent. Sadly I have never seen a good resource for Mali Empire era weaponry. It is not a widely studied area I think.