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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Takouba Sword and Scabbard
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Takouba Sword and Scabbard

Artifact IDMO 63.2344a-b
Object Type Sword
Date 20th Century
Gifter
Place MadeNiger, Africa
Medium Steel, brass, leather
DimensionsOverall H 40 in (101.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionThe takouba (takooba, takuba) is a style of sword traditionally associated with the Tuareg. The sword has a broad straight double edged steel blade that tapers distally to the rounded end. The cross guard is covered with embossed brown leather and the hilt end shows a low stacked pyramid tip of three layers, the central layer being copper, the others brass. The scabbard is made of embossed leather with elaborate brass and copper work toward the tip. The sword is worn at the left side, nearly horizontal, but with the hilt end slightly elevated, by means of a baldric attached to two straps emanating from the scabbard by brass rings. The baldric is made of blue and white cotton strips.
Historical NoteThis sword was a gift to President Kennedy from President Hamani Diori of Niger. President Diori had first been in contact early in Kennedy's presidency, after meeting Edward Kennedy and other members of the U.S. Senate in Abidjan, West Africa. In a letter to the White House dated March 1, 1961, President Diori expressed his hope that continued meetings between representatives from America and those of newly independent African nations would "enable our two peoples to understand each other better and will strengthen the ties of friendship that now unite Niger and the United States."
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift to President and Mrs. Kennedy from Hamani Diori, President of the Republic of Niger. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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