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THBGilbert Islands Shark Tooth Sword, ca. 1940s
Lot 108
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:
$600 - $900
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| Price | Bid Increment |
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| $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
Mar 18, 2021
Set Reminder
2021-03-18 10:00:00
2021-03-18 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Pre-Columbian | Tribal | Oceanic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/pre-columbian-tribal-oceanic-6520
Featuring Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, much more. All items have been legally acquired and are legal to sell. Convenient in-house shipping. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Featuring Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, much more. All items have been legally acquired and are legal to sell. Convenient in-house shipping. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (323)
- Lot Description
South Pacific, Gilbert Islands, ca. 1940s CE. An attractive sword of an intimidating style with 15 razor-sharp shark teeth bound to the coconut wood blade with te koro - twine made from coconut fiber. The slender blade presents a high central crest and a short tapered point, while the hilt displays a trapezoidal pommel, an ovoid handle, and a rectangular crossguard. 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. Size: 1.375" W x 13.25" H (3.5 cm x 33.7 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. Interestingly, sharks teeth were sewn into the backs of the armor gloves too.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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.
#142591Missing one tooth. Some minor nicks and light scratches to blade and hilt, as well as miniscule nicks to peripheries of a few teeth. Otherwise, intact and very nice with light patina on wood from age and use.Condition
- Shipping Info
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