Ethnology: Kiribati Sword With Shark Teeth Flying Fox Fur, Gilbert Islands South Pacific Ocean
Artist: Kiribati, Iles Gilbert, Micronésie (océan Pacifique Sud)
CURIOSITIES / TRIBAL ART / ETHNOLOGY
Kiribati ritual sword
Gilbert Islands, Micronesia (South Pacific Ocean)
Late 19th century
The handle is lined with woven palm leaves.
The blade is made of hardwood with an oval profile, to which two rows of small shark teeth are attached, in no fewer than 50 horizontal rows (1 of the 100 teeth only is missing)
These teeth, which are extremely sharp and serrated, were precisely drilled through their centers despite their hardness and secured to each side of the sword.
According to the Kanak family tradition of its former owner, the sturdy braided cords—alternating black and white—used as fasteners are said to be made from fur of roussettes, a local species of bat...
In conclusion, a true curiosity, rare given the small population of this archipelago of 16 atolls (just over 80,000 inhabitants today—what about in the 19th century?)
Dimensions:
84 cm tall
* 4 cm wide (including the shark teeth)
and * approximately 1 cm thick
Signs of wear
Mounted on a matte black metal base, ensuring perfect stability for displaying the weapon upright.
Kiribati ritual sword
Gilbert Islands, Micronesia (South Pacific Ocean)
Late 19th century
The handle is lined with woven palm leaves.
The blade is made of hardwood with an oval profile, to which two rows of small shark teeth are attached, in no fewer than 50 horizontal rows (1 of the 100 teeth only is missing)
These teeth, which are extremely sharp and serrated, were precisely drilled through their centers despite their hardness and secured to each side of the sword.
According to the Kanak family tradition of its former owner, the sturdy braided cords—alternating black and white—used as fasteners are said to be made from fur of roussettes, a local species of bat...
In conclusion, a true curiosity, rare given the small population of this archipelago of 16 atolls (just over 80,000 inhabitants today—what about in the 19th century?)
Dimensions:
84 cm tall
* 4 cm wide (including the shark teeth)
and * approximately 1 cm thick
Signs of wear
Mounted on a matte black metal base, ensuring perfect stability for displaying the weapon upright.
1 600 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Tribal Art
Condition: Good condition
Material: Solid wood
Width: 4 cm (avec les dents de requin de chaque côté)
Height: 84 cm
Depth: 1 cm
Reference (ID): 1846514
Availability: In stock
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