Shark-tooth sword ·  Kiribati - Gilbert Islands · ID: 3050087

Description

wood, four parts, shark teeth (approx. 120 pieces, some damaged or missing), fine woven twine from coconut fibre (“te koro”),

In earlier times, these weapons were used by opposing clans in battle. For protection, fighters wore strong but cumbersome armour of coconut fibre, a belt of stingray skin, and a helmet created from a hollowed out and dried puffer fish.

These swords were also used as part of “ceremonial warfare” performances, the maintenance of honour and the settling of disputes in ritual duelling.

The object Shark-tooth sword with the object ID 3050087 was part of the auction 101st Auction on November 11, 2023, lot number 41 at that time and is currently available for EUR 1,800 in Open sale.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about Oceanian art.