Lot 257
Oceania, Republic of Kiribati, Gilbert Islands, ca. mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden sword with a tapering pointed blade and a serrated edge comprised of shark teeth. An integral handle with triangular edges and a small rectangular guard extends from the blade. The shark teeth are hand-drilled through the center and attached to the periphery of the blade with a fibrous cord that is woven through the drilled perforations in the wood. The pointed tip of the wooden blade ensures injury when thrusting, and the serrated teeth could be dragged across the unfortunate opponent. The short handle would probably have been wrapped with fibrous rattan strips to create a good gripping surface. Swords lined with shark teeth were used for ceremonial combat or duels to maintain honor. Using a fierce predator from the sea as part of the weapon would imbue the user with power, and sharks were worshipped as deities. A fine example of a unique weapon! Size: 27.5" L x 2.5" W (69.8 cm x 6.4 cm)
Along with these weapons, warriors wore suits of armor made from thickly woven coconut fiber and a belt made from stingray skin, as well as a helmet made from a hollowed-out, dried puffer fish. Sharks teeth were sewn into the backs of the armor gloves too.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA Collection
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#142589
- Condition: Two missing teeth, wear to very tip, else intact and excellent.
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