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Old 1st March 2023, 01:45 AM   #1
tool_of_a_took
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Default Unusual African short sword / knife

Hi guys, can anyone tell me anything about this knife? I’ve come across lots of African knives at antique fairs and shops but not seen one with this shape before. Makes me think of a bayonet
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Old 1st March 2023, 12:23 PM   #2
Gonzoadler
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Hello,

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

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Robin
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Old 1st March 2023, 03:49 PM   #3
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Agreed!
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Old 1st March 2023, 03:57 PM   #4
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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.
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Old 2nd March 2023, 01:19 AM   #5
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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.
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Old 2nd March 2023, 01:27 PM   #6
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Looks as if it is trying to copy a bayonet.
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Old 3rd March 2023, 12:19 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fennec View Post
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
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Old 3rd March 2023, 02:13 AM   #8
Lee
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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.
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Old 3rd March 2023, 02:35 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee View Post
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?
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Old 3rd March 2023, 02:09 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent View Post
Is this what you mean Lee?
Yes, except yours is nicer than those I was thinking of. It is easy to see how the original poster's blade could, with some reshaping, have come from such a machete. I believe the original poster's item is a genuine ethnographic artifact, made for local use rather than merely trade with the traveler. I will endeavor to present a few photos within a few days.
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Old 4th March 2023, 04:34 PM   #11
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Not exactly as I remembered and I am still looking for the takouba using such a blade for the far end.
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Old 22nd February 2024, 11:49 AM   #12
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The three fullers are typical of trade blades and machetes of varied types, some with a curve, some almost straight.... as used here in my recent purchase Mandingo sword.
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