Just a nice little brass hilt takouba

Iain · 20th April 2013, 11:10 AM

I know I do post a lot of these. But this is a pleasant example I thought a few folks might like to see.

All native assembly, the blade is decent enough with a bit of distal taper, no marks of any kind, alright flex and quite sharp. Shows signs of being used a bit over the years.

The hilt is nicely worked brass with the pommel darkened with some sort of wash to a copper tone, but definitely brass underneath.

Likely a Hausa/Nupe piece.

I have photos of the scabbard/fittings as well if anyone wants to see those elements, but they are the usual type seen with these.

All the best,

Iain

colin henshaw · 20th April 2013, 02:10 PM

A good looking sword - I do like that interlace (endless knot) design on the crosspiece - it can be also found in ancient times, eg Celtic art and elsewhere such as on Somali work...

Regards.

Iain · 20th April 2013, 03:09 PM

Hi Colin,

Thanks for commenting. I think this particular piece has very nice proportions overall - personally I like some of the shorter takouba best.

The knot pattern is indeed interesting and I've seen it turn up fairly frequently on scabbard fittings. Perhaps less so on guards. The reverse side is also a pretty typical pattern I've seen on quite a few.

Overall its a nice addition to the wall and the growing family of these I have.

Certainly not the oldest piece, but I think the aesthetics make up for that.

Cheers,

Iain

20th April 2013, 11:10 AM	#1
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,680	Just a nice little brass hilt takouba I know I do post a lot of these. But this is a pleasant example I thought a few folks might like to see. All native assembly, the blade is decent enough with a bit of distal taper, no marks of any kind, alright flex and quite sharp. Shows signs of being used a bit over the years. The hilt is nicely worked brass with the pommel darkened with some sort of wash to a copper tone, but definitely brass underneath. Likely a Hausa/Nupe piece. I have photos of the scabbard/fittings as well if anyone wants to see those elements, but they are the usual type seen with these. All the best, Iain Attached Images

20th April 2013, 03:09 PM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,680	Hi Colin, Thanks for commenting. I think this particular piece has very nice proportions overall - personally I like some of the shorter takouba best. The knot pattern is indeed interesting and I've seen it turn up fairly frequently on scabbard fittings. Perhaps less so on guards. The reverse side is also a pretty typical pattern I've seen on quite a few. Overall its a nice addition to the wall and the growing family of these I have. Certainly not the oldest piece, but I think the aesthetics make up for that. Cheers, Iain Attached Images

20th April 2013, 02:10 PM	#2
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	A good looking sword - I do like that interlace (endless knot) design on the crosspiece - it can be also found in ancient times, eg Celtic art and elsewhere such as on Somali work... Regards.