Shark-tooth sword
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Lot: 41
101st AuctionShark-tooth sword
Kiribati - Gilbert Islands
| Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
|---|---|---|
| Hellmut Patzer, Silesia, Poland (acquired in the 1st half of the 20th century) | L: 21.7 inch |
1800 EUR
plus 27 % commission, VAT, transport and insurance |
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.
