Pāhoa – Traditional Hawaiian Dagger Made From A Swordfish Bill

Pāhoa – Traditional Hawaiian dagger made from a swordfish bill

Hawaii, Polynesia – 19th/20th century, in the tradition of ancient weapons

Rare pāhoa, a traditional weapon of the Hawaiian Islands, crafted from the rostrum of a swordfish (Xiphias gladius).

The naturally tapered blade retains the characteristic shape of Hawaiian weapons made from sawfish or swordfish rostrums.It is mounted on a handle covered in black leather, the surface of which displays a particularly interesting patina and signs of wear.

The weapon comes with its black leather sheath, tailored to the shape of the blade and displaying a beautiful patina from use.Together, they form a particularly unique object—both a traditional weapon and an ethnographic artifact.

The pāhoa constitute an iconic category of traditional Hawaiian weaponry. A few ancient examples made from swordfish bone are now preserved in major international museum collections, notably at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Honolulu and the British Museum.

This piece stands out for its exceptional material, its elegant silhouette, and the preservation of its scabbard—a feature rarely documented in published comparative examples.
The stitching shows signs that may indicate a more recent restoration (reinforcement with a small nylon thread).

Dimensions: approximately 43 cm in total length.

Condition: generally good, with wear, patina, crazing, and signs of use consistent with the object’s history. See photographs.

Provenance: private French collection.