Takouba Blade Markings

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

...While I deemed the curious mark at the center of the blade to be of 'horseshoe' character, it is more clearly an arc with dots at each end ...

Yes, i was hesitating to enter, to say that i also saw (separate) dots; even one of them with a 'buttton' look ... so to say .

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by fernando

Yes, i was hesitating to enter, to say that i also saw (separate) dots; even one of them with a 'buttton' look ... so to say .

Well noted Fernando, and this is the case in point, perception.
While my initial reaction was that the mark, to me, resembled a horseshoe, It is hard to determine what the individual placing the mark intended. In reading through Gabus(1958) a marking which resembles the Greek letter omega (an arc with voluted ends) seems used widely in Tuareg context in decoration, and termed 'horseshoe'.

This recalls cases where the Tuareg, seeing the cross and orb marking as used on German blades, as a drum and sticks. This seems to have been seen as representative of a chief, or in terms of authority. As Ed has noted, in Funj parlance, this mark was used to mark property, so in essence similar as representing authority or 'ownership'.

In other cases, the European markings known a 'the doll' or 'fly' were seen by Tuaregs in accord, but in their parlance the fly was symbolic of a brave and skilled warrior (the leaping and evasive tactics in combat situation?).

While it was tempting to think of the horseshoe in the widely held symbolism in Europe and other of 'good luck', it is unclear what the Tuareg perception of the omega like mark or this dotted arc might be.Though we of course do not know, it does seem worthy of note and consideration to possibilities.

[Edster]

Jim,

The arc looks to me to be rinsed, perhaps an inlay rather than an indented/stamped mark. If correct to me that would place the mark into a "higher??" category of presentation and rarity. Also, do the dot go all the way through the blade & what if anything else is on the back side? Getting curiouser and curiouser.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Edster

Jim,

The arc looks to me to be rinsed, perhaps an inlay rather than an indented/stamped mark. If correct to me that would place the mark into a "higher??" category of presentation and rarity. Also, do the dot go all the way through the blade & what if anything else is on the back side? Getting curiouser and curiouser.

Thank you Ed, the dots are indented, not through.
What does rinse mean?
Higher category?
Curiouser and curioser story of my life

Also note this sword originated in Ouagadougou. The leather wrapped hilt recalls the contiguous regions of Cameroon and Mali, especially Mali known for leather work with the Manding. With these regions of course having the availability of blades from French occupation, it heightens the use of saber type blades as found in the familiar Manding sabers.
With Tuareg pommel style and the other features brought together, it begs the question whether the 'aljuinar' style takouba is more prevalent in these West African areas of the Sahara.
Perhaps this marking is also somewhat indiginous to these areas as well?

Wondering if such markings ever turned up on Manding blades?
Pictured regular Manding saber of Mali, blade is unremarkable so unclear if trade or perhaps local? no markings.

[Edster]

To my eyes the semi-circle looks above the surface of the blade; could be shadowing, and not below the surface as a stamp. Could just be my eyes and the photograph. An indented stamp is a typical mark, but a raised inlay would seem special.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Edster

To my eyes the semi-circle looks above the surface of the blade; could be shadowing, and not below the surface as a stamp. Could just be my eyes and the photograph. An indented stamp is a typical mark, but a raised inlay would seem special.

That truly is interesting Ed, I dont have the sword handy right now so cant say for sure, but if this were raised I would have noted it as that would be incredibly unusual. I cannot say I have ever seen such an application. How would this be carried out on a European blade long after original production?

[Edster]

I can only guess from First Principles: Like the dots, a semi-circle could be deeply engraved with an internal lip and an alloy heated and hammered into the depression. Hopefully, someone who really knows how to do the inlay can join in to correct my guess. The raised part looks corroded/rusted? so the alloy may be a low grade iron. What alloy would react like that; relatively soft and oxidable? Of course this process may be made of Whole Cloth. :-)