Tebu or not Tebu

Iain · 10th December 2014, 09:01 PM

Hi Marcus,

A few points, there are a number of sub types within this general family of "skull crusher" pommeled swords and daggers.

It's always great to get "on the ground" information from someone in the area. These could well be Daza, although the Daza are a sub group within the Tebu along with the Teda.

Similar swords can be found in North Cameroon as well.

The large midrib is a design choice that makes quite a bit of sense (and not present on the daggers) due to the length of these swords. In a way both the daggers and the swords follow a similar design thesis to the Roman gladius and spatha. The latter of course being for cavalry use typically.

I suspect much the same for these long Chadic swords. The Teda and Daza both have long equestrian traditions. They are nice looking things, I use to have one myself which I've attached.

Marcus · 11th December 2014, 12:23 AM

Yes, your sword is very similar. By the way, my friend in Chad adds that the Goran (or Gouran, it is all phonetic) are distinctively different from the Toubou, the Toubou are a bit further north. And generally lighter skinned, more Libyan in features, less Bantu features.

Iain · 11th December 2014, 08:04 AM

Hi Marcus,

The term Tebu, or Toubou, is actually a relatively late term, but most commonly is tied to the Teda.

However when I say the Teda and Daza are related, it refers to the linguistic group more than anything. The Teda reside in the north, the Daza to the south.

So you friend may well be making the Teda/Daza distinction.

I do think Goran is likely to refer to the Daza although I have to admit Chad is not my area of speciality.

Tim Simmons · 11th December 2014, 08:48 AM

Great to see another of these swords. I was once the owner of one. What is most interesting is that they are both made in the same way. Two pieces of blade welded together. Having held one, the weld is no scruffy repair, you can imagine the collectors opinions on seeing just one sword. The blade remains fully functional. Viewing two examples, shows this is a traditional way of making a long blade in this particular region. What would be good, if it could possibly be shown without any doubt how the weld was made ie fire weld or gas? Of all the Tabouka like swords these seem to be fairly uncommon.

Iain · 11th December 2014, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Great to see another of these swords. I was once the owner of one. What is most interesting is that they are both made in the same way. Two pieces of blade welded together. Having held one, the weld is no scruffy repair, you can imagine the collectors opinions on seeing just one sword. The blade remains fully functional. Viewing two examples, shows this is a traditional way of making a long blade in this particular region. What would be good, if it could possibly be shown without any doubt how the weld was made ie fire weld or gas? Of all the Tabouka like swords these seem to be fairly uncommon.

Hi Tim, I'm not seeing a weld on Marcus' sword? The one I showed is the same you used to own.

Colin, yes I think these are locally smelted iron.

Oriental-Arms · 11th December 2014, 10:52 AM

In the last couple of years several of these long Tebu swords popped up in the French markets. All of very similar dimensions and construction. See below another nice exemplar, unfortunately without a scabbard.

Tim Simmons · 11th December 2014, 03:21 PM

Here?

10th December 2014, 09:01 PM	#1
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Hi Marcus, A few points, there are a number of sub types within this general family of "skull crusher" pommeled swords and daggers. It's always great to get "on the ground" information from someone in the area. These could well be Daza, although the Daza are a sub group within the Tebu along with the Teda. Similar swords can be found in North Cameroon as well. The large midrib is a design choice that makes quite a bit of sense (and not present on the daggers) due to the length of these swords. In a way both the daggers and the swords follow a similar design thesis to the Roman gladius and spatha. The latter of course being for cavalry use typically. I suspect much the same for these long Chadic swords. The Teda and Daza both have long equestrian traditions. They are nice looking things, I use to have one myself which I've attached. Attached Images

11th December 2014, 12:23 AM	#2
Marcus Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 420	similar indeed Yes, your sword is very similar. By the way, my friend in Chad adds that the Goran (or Gouran, it is all phonetic) are distinctively different from the Toubou, the Toubou are a bit further north. And generally lighter skinned, more Libyan in features, less Bantu features.

11th December 2014, 10:52 AM	#6
Oriental-Arms Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Haifa, Israel Posts: 183	In the last couple of years several of these long Tebu swords popped up in the French markets. All of very similar dimensions and construction. See below another nice exemplar, unfortunately without a scabbard. Attached Images

11th December 2014, 03:21 PM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Here? Attached Images

11th December 2014, 08:04 AM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Hi Marcus, The term Tebu, or Toubou, is actually a relatively late term, but most commonly is tied to the Teda. However when I say the Teda and Daza are related, it refers to the linguistic group more than anything. The Teda reside in the north, the Daza to the south. So you friend may well be making the Teda/Daza distinction. I do think Goran is likely to refer to the Daza although I have to admit Chad is not my area of speciality.

11th December 2014, 08:48 AM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Great to see another of these swords. I was once the owner of one. What is most interesting is that they are both made in the same way. Two pieces of blade welded together. Having held one, the weld is no scruffy repair, you can imagine the collectors opinions on seeing just one sword. The blade remains fully functional. Viewing two examples, shows this is a traditional way of making a long blade in this particular region. What would be good, if it could possibly be shown without any doubt how the weld was made ie fire weld or gas? Of all the Tabouka like swords these seem to be fairly uncommon.