Menu
EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THBGilbert Islands Shark Tooth Sword, ca. 1940s
Lot 216
About Seller
Artemis Fine Arts
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
Categories
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$400 - $600
Absentee vs Live bid
Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
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 Fine Arts
Feb 4, 2021
Set Reminder
2021-02-04 10:00:00
2021-02-04 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : CLEARANCE Asian | Antiquities | Ethnographic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/clearance-asian-antiquities-ethnographic-6361
Featuring discounted pricing on Asian art, classical antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Italy, and the Near East...plus Pre-Columbian, Tribal, Russian Icons, Spanish Colonial, Fine Art, more! Starting prices have been reduced up to 65% from original auction prices - perfect for dealers and collectors! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
Featuring discounted pricing on Asian art, classical antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Italy, and the Near East...plus Pre-Columbian, Tribal, Russian Icons, Spanish Colonial, Fine Art, more! Starting prices have been reduced up to 65% from original auction prices - perfect for dealers and collectors! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
View Full Catalog (364)
- Lot Description
**First Time At Auction**
South Pacific, Gilbert Islands, ca. 1940s CE. An attractive sword of an intimidating style with 16 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. The handle ends in a point that was perhaps cleverly intended to resemble a shark tooth as well. Size: 21.75" L x 2" W (55.2 cm x 5.1 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. 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.
#142590Minute nick to tip of sword. Two shark teeth are missing. Minute nicks to tips of a few of the teeth, but otherwise very good and intact.Condition
- Shipping Info
-
All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.
-
- Buyer's Premium
