Tebu/Mandara short sword?

Jim McDougall · 27th February 2010, 03:58 AM

Hi Rumpel,
First of all, thank you for sharing this interesting item and the recounting of the interactions as you obtained it. It truly adds fascinating dimension to the circumstances surrounding the sword as it was acquired. Also, I commend your awareness of previous discussions on these type swords, its great to have that step set as a benchmark for discussion.

The 'tourist' appellation is much overused for weapons from these African cultures, as for the most part, these traditional weapons are very much elements of costume and utility used into present times. With native people who are often impoverished, naturally most things are for sale as opportunity arises, and would simply be replaced as required.

The rebated blade on this is most interesting and while not suggesting any particular association, reminds me of the executioner swords of Germany of 16th-16th centuries. I would assume the present blade profile may be in response to a reconfigured blade from damaged tip or shortened. The fact that these weapons are often remounted or altered for servicability is well known across the Sahel into the Sudan.

All best regards,
Jim

27th February 2010, 03:58 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,284	Hi Rumpel, First of all, thank you for sharing this interesting item and the recounting of the interactions as you obtained it. It truly adds fascinating dimension to the circumstances surrounding the sword as it was acquired. Also, I commend your awareness of previous discussions on these type swords, its great to have that step set as a benchmark for discussion. The 'tourist' appellation is much overused for weapons from these African cultures, as for the most part, these traditional weapons are very much elements of costume and utility used into present times. With native people who are often impoverished, naturally most things are for sale as opportunity arises, and would simply be replaced as required. The rebated blade on this is most interesting and while not suggesting any particular association, reminds me of the executioner swords of Germany of 16th-16th centuries. I would assume the present blade profile may be in response to a reconfigured blade from damaged tip or shortened. The fact that these weapons are often remounted or altered for servicability is well known across the Sahel into the Sudan. All best regards, Jim