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THBEarly 20th C. Gilbert Islands Wood & Shark Tooth Sword
Lot 84
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$700 - $1,000
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Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Jan 14, 2021
Set Reminder
2021-01-14 12:00:00
2021-01-14 12:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Arms & Armor | Antiquity to Present Day
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/arms-armor-antiquity-to-present-day-6288
Specialty auction featuring axes, mace heads, swords, spears, various types of armor, and more! Many different cultures and price ranges. Great for first-time buyers, seasoned collectors, dealers. All legally acquired, and legal to buy/sell. Professional and convenient in-house shipping! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Specialty auction featuring axes, mace heads, swords, spears, various types of armor, and more! Many different cultures and price ranges. Great for first-time buyers, seasoned collectors, dealers. All legally acquired, and legal to buy/sell. Professional and convenient in-house shipping! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (127)
- Lot Description
Oceania, Republic of Kiribati, Gilbert Islands, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. An attractive sword of an intimidating style with 21 pairs of razor-sharp shark teeth bound to the coconut wood blade with te koro, twine made from coconut fiber. Each tooth is positioned so the warrior would either rake the points across his target with a thrusting blow or drag the individual serrations of the teeth across his victim with a sweeping strike. A bound palm leaf protects the pointed upper tip of the blade while braided rattan strips wrap around the handle to create an ample gripping surface. Size: 24.1" L x 1.6" W (61.2 cm x 4.1 cm)
Some researchers have noted the similarities in shape between shark teeth and canoe sails, which were also supported on masts of coconut wood. This type of sword was used during ceremonial warfare, when ritual duels took place in order to maintain honor. Along with these weapons, warriors wore suits of armor made from thickly woven coconut fiber and a belt made from stingray skin, as well as a helmet made from a hollowed-out, dried puffer fish. Sharks teeth were sewn into the backs of the armor gloves too.
Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000
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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#158907Minor tearing to palm leaf wraps on tip and handle, otherwise intact and very good. Nice remains of color to the koro twine strands. Shark teeth are still incredibly sharp.Condition
- Shipping Info
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