Unusual African short sword / knife

Gonzoadler · 1st March 2023, 12:23 PM

Hello,

the scabbard is similar to scabbards of Takoubas, so I would say it is a Tuareg dagger.

Regards
Robin

Sajen · 1st March 2023, 03:49 PM

Agreed!

Iain · 1st March 2023, 03:57 PM

It can be from a number of groups who shared by the 20th century a similar leather working style, including the Hausa, Fulani, Tuareg, and even further into west Africa. I'd put it tentatively as Hausa/Fulani though.

It looks like a reused blade for sure.

fennec · 2nd March 2023, 01:19 AM

Also the three fuller are often on touareg takuba, if is a reused Sword as mentioned, it can explain why they are not centered. Is it one edged or both sides are sharpened ?
For the handle, Ive rarely seen zoomorphic handles on touareg art, more like geometric forms.

Richard G · 2nd March 2023, 01:27 PM

Looks as if it is trying to copy a bayonet.
Regards
Richard

tool_of_a_took · 3rd March 2023, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fennec

Also the three fuller are often on touareg takuba, if is a reused Sword as mentioned, it can explain why they are not centered. Is it one edged or both sides are sharpened ?
For the handle, Ive rarely seen zoomorphic handles on touareg art, more like geometric forms.

There’s a few inches sharpened along the back edge near the tip

Lee · 3rd March 2023, 02:13 AM

I wonder if the blade has come from a locally made machete as I have seen blades of similar length and form with the three crude fullers sold new with scales made from salvaged tire rubber riveted on in West Africa.

I have an example - not immediately at hand - of such a blade with an extender forte section mounted properly as a takouba.

Gavin Nugent · 3rd March 2023, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

I wonder if the blade has come from a locally made machete as I have seen blades of similar length and form with the three crude fullers sold new with scales made from salvaged tire rubber riveted on in West Africa.

I have an example - not immediately at hand - of such a blade with an extender forte section mounted properly as a takouba.

I happen to have one here of the ilk... is this what you mean Lee?

1st March 2023, 12:23 PM	#1
Gonzoadler Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Germany Posts: 255	Hello, the scabbard is similar to scabbards of Takoubas, so I would say it is a Tuareg dagger. Regards Robin

1st March 2023, 03:49 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Agreed!

1st March 2023, 03:57 PM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	It can be from a number of groups who shared by the 20th century a similar leather working style, including the Hausa, Fulani, Tuareg, and even further into west Africa. I'd put it tentatively as Hausa/Fulani though. It looks like a reused blade for sure.

2nd March 2023, 01:19 AM	#4
fennec Member Join Date: Feb 2023 Posts: 7	Also the three fuller are often on touareg takuba, if is a reused Sword as mentioned, it can explain why they are not centered. Is it one edged or both sides are sharpened ? For the handle, Ive rarely seen zoomorphic handles on touareg art, more like geometric forms.

2nd March 2023, 01:27 PM	#5
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 409	Looks as if it is trying to copy a bayonet. Regards Richard

3rd March 2023, 02:13 AM	#7
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 932	I wonder if the blade has come from a locally made machete as I have seen blades of similar length and form with the three crude fullers sold new with scales made from salvaged tire rubber riveted on in West Africa. I have an example - not immediately at hand - of such a blade with an extender forte section mounted properly as a takouba.