Description:

North Africa, Sahara, Takouba culture, 19th century. Double edged steel sword bearing a bronze handle with mushroom pommel and leather scabbard. The Takouba sword is a style and form that is traditionally associated with the Tuareg, the nomadic people of the central and west-central areas of the Sahara desert. This includes regions of what is now Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, and Morocco. As we see in this example, the sword usually has a broad, straight, double-edged blade and a simple cross-guard. The style and form resemble that of medieval European swords. The blades are rather long averaging 29 to 33 inches (74 to 84 cm). Oftentimes the blades were imported from Toledo, Spain or Solingen, Germany. Strong techniques and pleasing aesthetic went into the creation of this sword. Note the striations on both sides of the blade as well as the engraved floral and geometric designs on the cross guard. In addition, the dark brown leather scabbard is stamped with attractive geometric patterning as well; the artisan also attached three metal fittings to the tip of the scabbard. 35.00"L (88.90 L cm) Provenance: Ex-Private Denver, CO collection. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: Minor wear, loss, and cracking on leather scabbard. Loss Rust and pitting on blade. Very minor nicks to pommel. Overall fair condition.

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December 5, 2014 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000