Strange marks on a takouba for ID

Iain · 24th March 2013, 08:51 PM

Hopefully others with more knowledge of forging and metallurgy can explain it better - but my basic understanding of lap welding in this context is that it is a part of the construction and forging of the blade not repair. The classic example I know of in a European context would be for a viking sword where the harder edges are lap welded to the softer core.

The complete oval is best known to me in a Sahel context as part of the cross and orb symbolism rather than as an element on its own. Making this quite unusual. However I would agree this is perhaps a cosmological arrangement - I can't think of a better explanation at the moment!

regihis · 28th March 2013, 11:00 AM

I see these tags on items for tourists.

Iain · 28th March 2013, 03:13 PM

Yes, circular motifs do appear on modern tourist items, but even these patterns are taken from historic motifs. In the case of the modern items you linked to - the motif is less a circle and is based on the half circle most likely derived from the half moon stamps.

I would consider it quite different than the full circle that is the stamp on the sword shown in this thread.

24th March 2013, 08:51 PM	#1
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Hopefully others with more knowledge of forging and metallurgy can explain it better - but my basic understanding of lap welding in this context is that it is a part of the construction and forging of the blade not repair. The classic example I know of in a European context would be for a viking sword where the harder edges are lap welded to the softer core. The complete oval is best known to me in a Sahel context as part of the cross and orb symbolism rather than as an element on its own. Making this quite unusual. However I would agree this is perhaps a cosmological arrangement - I can't think of a better explanation at the moment!

28th March 2013, 11:00 AM	#2
regihis Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 39	I see these tags on items for tourists.

28th March 2013, 03:13 PM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Yes, circular motifs do appear on modern tourist items, but even these patterns are taken from historic motifs. In the case of the modern items you linked to - the motif is less a circle and is based on the half circle most likely derived from the half moon stamps. I would consider it quite different than the full circle that is the stamp on the sword shown in this thread.