Short Takouba with Spike Hilt and Random Musings on Origin

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	#1
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	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	#2
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,664	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	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	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.