Two Wood and Shark Tooth Daggers
Two Wood and Shark Tooth Daggers
Wood, fibre, shark tooth
Gilbert Islands, Micronesia
Early 19th Century
SIZE: 50.5cm long - 19¾ ins long and 52cm long - 20½ ins long
Wood, fibre, shark tooth
Gilbert Islands, Micronesia
Early 19th Century
SIZE: 50.5cm long - 19¾ ins long and 52cm long - 20½ ins long
Two Wood and Shark Tooth Daggers
Wood, fibre, shark tooth
Gilbert Islands, Micronesia
Early 19th Century
SIZE: 50.5cm long - 19¾ ins long and 52cm long - 20½ ins long
Wood, fibre, shark tooth
Gilbert Islands, Micronesia
Early 19th Century
SIZE: 50.5cm long - 19¾ ins long and 52cm long - 20½ ins long
The Gilbert Islands lie in the western Pacific and are geographically part of Micronesia. The Islands have been under continuous British rule since the 18th century.
Before European interference and the onslaught of introduced diseases Micronesia was heavily populated and fighting was common. On the Gilbert Islands combat was so frequent, elaborate offensive and defensive equipment was extensively manufactured.
Sharks, teeth were a useful substitute for the flakiness of stone, and coconut fibre cordage, both twisted and plaited, was expertly made and used in great numbers on weapons each individually pierced and sewn into grooves along the sides of daggers and spears. To counteract the lacerating effect of these weapons thick plaited coir armour was developed in the Gilberts composed of a rigid cuirass with high collar and separate trouser and sleeve sections. A spiky fish skin helmet completed the outfit.
Before European interference and the onslaught of introduced diseases Micronesia was heavily populated and fighting was common. On the Gilbert Islands combat was so frequent, elaborate offensive and defensive equipment was extensively manufactured.
Sharks, teeth were a useful substitute for the flakiness of stone, and coconut fibre cordage, both twisted and plaited, was expertly made and used in great numbers on weapons each individually pierced and sewn into grooves along the sides of daggers and spears. To counteract the lacerating effect of these weapons thick plaited coir armour was developed in the Gilberts composed of a rigid cuirass with high collar and separate trouser and sleeve sections. A spiky fish skin helmet completed the outfit.
Ex Private UK collection
Ex Private collection
Ex Private collection
Two Wood and Shark Tooth Daggers
