Takouba, 19th century
The takouba is a style of sword traditionally associated with the Tuareg, the nomadic people of the central and west-central areas of the Sahara desert (including portions of what is now Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, and Morocco). The sword typically has a broad, straight, double-edged blade averaging 74 to 84 cm. (29 to 33 inches) in length and a simple cross-guard, and resembles the medieval European sword. The blades are generally imported, many bearing the marks of Toledo (Spain) or Solingen (Germany).
The BRLSI example has a wide, double edged blade, 83cm in length and formed with three fullers. The blade is stamped with 2 “moon-face” marks on each side. The brass sheet crossbar is decorated with an engraved pattern and fixed with iron rivets. The mushroom-shaped pommel is engraved in a similar pattern while the grip is partly covered with leather. The leather scabbard is partly encased with brass sheet which form both a chape and a locket. The brass sheet is engraved with a decorative pattern and is also pierced, the leather beneath stained in red or green to form an attractive design.
Catalogue no: EW024
Takouba, the sword of the Tuareg.
Takouba Research Society
Takouba.org is a fantastic site that explores the takouba and related swords. High quality research and photos–I highly recommend visiting!
Images © Takouba Research Society
A Tuareg man poses with the sword handed to the Tuareg leader by the French after the Tuareg were finally defeated at the battle of Tit, photographed in the desert outside the Tuareg town of Djanet, on April 9, 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.)
A Tuareg man poses with the sword handed to the Tuareg leader by the French after the Tuareg were finally defeated at the battle of Tit, photographed in the desert outside the Tuareg town of Djanet, on April 9, 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.)