Description:

Oceania, Gilbert Islands, ca. 1940s. An intimidating short sword made from a well-carved shaft of coconut wood and studded with two vertical rows of equidistantly-spaced shark teeth rising along opposite edges of the blade, which ultimately tapers to a point. A diamond-shaped hand guard separates the blade from the tubular handle. Each shark's tooth has been painstakingly sewn into place using te koro, twine made from coconut fiber, and the wood was shaped using stone knives. It is amazing that the creators of this weapon were able to drill through the shark teeth in such a uniform fashion, given the hardness of the material. Size: 22.75" L x 1.5" W (57.8 cm x 3.8 cm)

Some researchers have noted the similarities in shape between shark teeth and canoe sails, which were supported on masts of coconut wood. This type of weapon was used during ceremonial warfare, when ritual duels took place in order to maintain honor. 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. What's more, sharks teeth were sewn into the backs of the armor gloves too!

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#142592

  • Condition: Missing one tooth and a chip and loss to another tooth. Fraying of fiber cord. Minor nicks and abrasions to wood handle. Most teeth retain their serrated edges and pointed tips.

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January 21, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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