Oceania, Polynesia, Republic of Kiribati, Gilbert Islands, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fabulous and unique wooden sword-like weapon or club lined with approximately 80 serrated and pointed shark teeth! The sides of the wooden rod contain reed slats or grooves to hold and stabilize the teeth; each tooth is hand-drilled through the center and a braided cord of coconut fibers and human hair is woven through the teeth and knotted around the reeds and wood rod. Each tooth is positioned so the warrior could rake the points across his target. This type of weapon was used during ceremonial warfare, when ritual duels took place in order to maintain honor and warriors wore suits of armor made from thickly woven coconut fiber, stingray skin, as well as a helmet made from a hollowed-out, dried puffer fish. Teeth were often sewn into the backs of the armor gloves too. Size: 25.75" L x 1" W (65.4 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#174339

Some fraying to cords and one tooth is loose and missing approximately 3 teeth. Chips and losses to several teeth. Most teeth are intact and secure. Nice patina to wood. Two wire loops added along the blade area for suspension.