Shark-tooth sword · Kiribati - Gilbert Islands · ID: 3041914
sold
EUR 2,000
Size
H: 79,7 cm
H: 31.4 inch
Description
coconut wood, fine woven twine from coconut fibre (“te koro”), leaf fibre, four-part, shark teeth attached evenly around the shaft, bound between thin wooden rods arranged in pairs, some teeth dam., resp. missing, base;
these swords were also used as part of “ceremonial warfare” performances, the maintenance of honour and the settling of disputes in ritual duelling. It wasn’t just the sword that was used in these contexts however, as they only formed a small part of a warrior’s combat ensemble. Along with a sword and/or dagger, a warrior wore a complete set of armour, made from thickly woven coconut fibre and a belt of stingray skin, and a helmet created from a hollowed out and dried puffer fish.