This is a Yoruba ceremonial sword from the Nigeria region in West Africa. It is similar to the takouba in form with a bead scabbard and hilt, with some loss of beads to the hilt.

The beadwork on the scabbard is beautiful, featuring lizards or crocodiles on one side. On the other is a traditional depiction of Oduwa, the king who founded the ancient West African city of Ife in about the 13th century.

This ceremonial sword appears vintage, is quite substantial with a stout wooden scabbard, and most likely dates from the mid twentieth century to perhaps the 1970s. Please for yourself by viewing the photos.

Sword length about 64cm. Length when inside scabbard about 91cm.

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