Woven armour ·  Kiribati - Gilbert Islands · ID: 3053720

Description

coconut fibres,

This armour, made entirely from woven coconut fibres, is one of the characteristic forms of protective gear from the Gilbert Islands. It consists of a helmet, a breastplate with sleeves and trousers, and, due to its exceptional strength, was used to provide protection against spears, clubs, swords, weapons made from shark teeth and even the projectiles of early muskets.
The rigid construction significantly restricted the wearer’s freedom of movement, which is why an assistant would stand by their side in battle to carry their weapons. A characteristic feature is the incorporated diamond-shaped ornamentation made from dark-coloured coconut fibre or braided human hair. Belts and breastplates made from stingray skin could also be worn as supplementary items. Similar armour is also known from Tuvalu and Nauru.

Comparing literature

Adams, Julie et al. (ed.), Fighting Fibres, Kiribati Armour and Museum Collections, Leiden 2018, p. 49, ill. 2.15