19th Century Kiribati Shark Tooth Sword
Oct 16, 2015 13:03:44 GMT
Post by Jack Loomes on Oct 16, 2015 13:03:44 GMT
This rare & highly collectible ceremonial weapon was made by these Micronesian people who had no ready source of metals. The shark teeth are uniformly shaped and drilled with uniform sized holes. They are then threaded together with a coconut fiber called TeKoro & strung onto a coconut wood shaft. The woven decorations are made of human hair. Most of these swords were destroyed by European invaders.
Condition is very good. There are some sheared teeth. Please study photos.
Measures 31" in length.
Source: www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Kiribati-Gilbert-Island-Shark-Tooth-Coconut-Sword-19th-Century-/121769323653?hash=item1c5a046c85&nma=true&si=3vlEXg405sb8BVrOxKePZ5WdHBw%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557