Takuba. Tuareg sword

A great old Tuareg sword -takuba- or -takouba- from the Aïr Mountains in Niger. The sheath is made of leather and it features wonderful and distinctive Tuareg painted and engraved astral decoration. The top of the hilt is made of copper and iron the lower part being wrapped in leather for a better grip. The -takuba- is a symbol of prestige and courage and it is passed down from one generation to another as a valued heirloom.