KIRIBATI SHARK TOOTH SWORD

Description

A 19th century Gilbert Island (Kiribati) shark tooth sword Tetoanea or Tewinnarei. The blade with diamond shaped cross section comprises four rows of shark teeth. Each tooth is drilled and fixed by sennit and human hair binding with each row set within two wooden spines. Located centrally and to the base of the blade are sections of fine matting interleaved with human hair binding. The handle has the remnants of a collection label which is illegible.

Dimensions

96cm long

19th century Gilbert Island Kiribati shark tooth sword, Tetoanea or Tewinnarei, 19th century Polynesian art antiques and weapons gallery, 19ème siècle 19th century Gilbert Islands Kiribati shark tooth sword massue de guerre

19th century Gilbert Island Kiribati shark tooth sword, Tetoanea or Tewinnarei, 19th century Polynesian art antiques and weapons gallery, 19ème siècle 19th century Gilbert Islands Kiribati shark tooth sword massue de guerre

19th century Gilbert Island Kiribati shark tooth sword, Tetoanea or Tewinnarei, 19th century Polynesian art antiques and weapons gallery, 19ème siècle 19th century Gilbert Islands Kiribati shark tooth sword massue de guerre

19th century Gilbert Island Kiribati shark tooth sword, Tetoanea or Tewinnarei, 19th century Polynesian art antiques and weapons gallery, 19ème siècle 19th century Gilbert Islands Kiribati shark tooth sword massue de guerre