This traditional Takoba (or Takouba) sword is the iconic sidearm of the Tuareg people and other ethnic groups across the Sahel, including the Hausa and Fulani. The sword features a straight, double-edged steel blade that tapers slightly to a characteristic rounded "tongue" tip, designed primarily for slashing and cutting rather than thrusting. The hilt is typical of the "Central" style, featuring a leather-wrapped grip and a crossguard reinforced with iron or wood and entirely encased in tooled leather. The pommel is constructed of stacked brass and copper plates, a design that serves both as a counterweight and a status symbol. Its accompanying scabbard is made of elaborately embossed and layered leather, featuring geometric cutwork and the original integrated leather carrying straps.

Details Artist: Unknown Title: Tuareg Takoba Sword with Tooled Leather Scabbard Medium: Iron, steel, leather, and brass Date: Late 19th to early 20th century Dimensions: Blade length 35 inches; Total length 42 inches; Handle width 5 inches Condition: Antique condition with expected oxidation to the blade and light wear to the leather scabbard commensurate with age

Tuareg culture Takoba sword Takouba West Africa Sahel region Saharan weaponry ethnographic arms and armor leatherwork tribal nobility status symbol ceremonial sword African blacksmithing handcrafted scabbard Omo Valley nomadic traditions