Takouba Sword - Africa, Sahel Region, Second Half Of The 19th Century

Takouba sword - Africa, Sahel region, second half of the 19th century. While most antique takoubas are fitted with European blades, this one has a fine quality Arab blade. The blade is probably of Sudanese or Egyptian manufacture, a type more commonly found on Sudanese (kaskara) swords from the Mahdist period. The blade is straight with a flat back for the first third, then double-edged to a rounded point (typical of takoubas, not kaskaras). The edges are still very sharp. Acid-etched Arabic calligraphy is engraved on both sides (probably verses from the Quran). There is an interesting series of double and single central fullers. The blade is of excellent mechanical quality, both robust and flexible with sharp edges. The leather that covered the steel guard is missing. Length 101.5 cm, Blade length 88.5 cm, Weight 846 g