Gilbert Islands, Micronesia
Mid 19th century
Hardwood, shark teeth, fiber binding
Length: 26¼ inches (66.7 cm)
Provenance: London trade
The shark tooth swords of the Gilbert Islands are among the most technically distinctive weapons produced in Micronesia, their construction requiring the precise setting of individual teeth along both edges of a hardwood blade using fine fiber binding that held each tooth at a consistent angle for maximum cutting effect. This example is of the longer single blade form, 26¼ inches, used in the open phase of ritual duels conducted to settle disputes and defend personal honor. The dueler's full ensemble extended beyond the sword to include woven coconut fiber armor, a stingray skin belt, palm leaf hand covers edged with shark teeth, and a helmet made from a dried puffer fish.
Analysis of teeth in comparable Gilbert Islands weapons has revealed that tiger shark teeth were most commonly used, with some examples also incorporating teeth from dusky and spottail sharks, species no longer present in the waters surrounding the islands today. Scientists refer to this as shadow diversity, the preservation in old objects of a species record that has since disappeared from the local marine environment. The tooth complement on this sword is intact, and the fiber binding and hardwood surfaces show the warm patina of age consistent with a mid 19th century date.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Gilbert Islands, Micronesia
Mid 19th century
Hardwood, shark teeth, fiber binding
Length: 26¼ inches (66.7 cm)
Provenance: London trade
The shark tooth swords of the Gilbert Islands are among the most technically distinctive weapons produced in Micronesia, their construction requiring the precise setting of individual teeth along both edges of a hardwood blade using fine fiber binding that held each tooth at a consistent angle for maximum cutting effect. This example is of the longer single blade form, 26¼ inches, used in the open phase of ritual duels conducted to settle disputes and defend personal honor. The dueler's full ensemble extended beyond the sword to include woven coconut fiber armor, a stingray skin belt, palm leaf hand covers edged with shark teeth, and a helmet made from a dried puffer fish.
Analysis of teeth in comparable Gilbert Islands weapons has revealed that tiger shark teeth were most commonly used, with some examples also incorporating teeth from dusky and spottail sharks, species no longer present in the waters surrounding the islands today. Scientists refer to this as shadow diversity, the preservation in old objects of a species record that has since disappeared from the local marine environment. The tooth complement on this sword is intact, and the fiber binding and hardwood surfaces show the warm patina of age consistent with a mid 19th century date.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
