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Shark Tooth Hand Sword, mid 19th Century
I-Kiribati culture; Gilbert Islands, Kiribati, Micronesia
Palm wood, shark skin, shark teeth, reed and sennit; 19 × 2 1/2 × 3/4 in.
2014.17.1
Bowers Museum Purchase
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Swords such as this were part of a man’s fearsome arsenal used in ritual duels held to defend honor and settle disputes. The main weapons used in such duels were larger shark tooth swords, some featuring three prongs of razor sharp teeth. This secondary or additional sword would have been used in close proximity to a foe in hand-to-hand combat. In addition to various handheld weapons, duelers also traditionally had a special and lethal battle ensemble consisting of armor made from tightly woven coconut fiber, a belt of stingray skin, palm leaf hand covers with shark teeth attached and a helmet of a dried and hollowed out puffer fish.
Sharks were important culturally to the people of Gilbert Islands and their teeth were used for many various weapons and objects. Studying such objects not only provides cultural information, but also points to larger scientific mysteries. Examination of the teeth used in many shark tooth objects has revealed that the teeth of tiger sharks were often used to fashion the weapons featured in a dueler’s ensemble. Interestingly enough, scientists have also discovered that some teeth come from the dusky and spottail sharks, species that are no longer found in the vicinity of the Gilbert Islands. Experts call this phenomenon shadow diversity.
All text and images under copyright. Please contact Collection Department for permission to use. Research subject to change upon further research.
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