Short Takouba with Spike Hilt and Random Musings on Origin

Kubur · 9th September 2018, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVV

I do not think these shorter takoubas were meant as scaled down versions for children - there are multiple examples signifying a pattern. My latest example has a blade of diamond cross section, which is unusual for takoubas, but similar to some of the blades found on Tebu or Champa swords. Perhaps these were meant for warriors who fought on foot, such as archers for example, and who did not need a massive sword with decent reach, but were rather looking for a side arm to use in close quarters. The leatherwork is similar to other pieces from the border area between what is nowadays Cameroon and Nigeria.

Conclusion: these shorter are most likely from Ademawa or the Mandara Mountains, where they may have been used as sidearms for foot soldiers who probably fought for and against some of the Muslim Empires trying to expand in the area.

Teodor

Thank you Teodor
As always I can't agree more.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=baby+tabouka
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...iopian+kaskara
The same is true for the short kaskara...

Best,
Kubur

Iain · 5th November 2018, 06:23 AM

Sorry I'm late to this thread, I think you are right Teodor, my original thoughts on these being Mandingo had mostly to do with the pommel spike and the similarity with the Mandingo pommels. But the leatherwork here is compelling for a Mandara area attribution and makes sense. I will go back through the takouba website and update these.

By the way, let me know if I can add the sword to the website.

TVV · 5th November 2018, 05:55 PM

Thank you Iain, glad to have you examine this thread and confirm my suspicions on attribution. You are welcome to add this and any other swords I may have posted in the forum to the takouba site.

Iain · 5th November 2018, 06:44 PM

One of the most intriguing aspects of this sword for me is not the size or the hilt, but rather the blade. It is extremely unusual to see a takouba with a blade featuring a midrib. Flat or fullers yes, but I can't recall one like this off the top of my head. Of course in a Mandara context it makes sense, although I have usually seen those with Tebu style hilts.

5th November 2018, 06:23 AM	#2
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Sorry I'm late to this thread, I think you are right Teodor, my original thoughts on these being Mandingo had mostly to do with the pommel spike and the similarity with the Mandingo pommels. But the leatherwork here is compelling for a Mandara area attribution and makes sense. I will go back through the takouba website and update these. By the way, let me know if I can add the sword to the website.

5th November 2018, 05:55 PM	#3
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,660	Thank you Iain, glad to have you examine this thread and confirm my suspicions on attribution. You are welcome to add this and any other swords I may have posted in the forum to the takouba site.

5th November 2018, 06:44 PM	#4
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	One of the most intriguing aspects of this sword for me is not the size or the hilt, but rather the blade. It is extremely unusual to see a takouba with a blade featuring a midrib. Flat or fullers yes, but I can't recall one like this off the top of my head. Of course in a Mandara context it makes sense, although I have usually seen those with Tebu style hilts.