RARE KIRIBATI WOVEN SHARK TOOTH GLOVE WEAPONS

Origin:   Micronesian, Kiribati, (Gilbert Island)    (Provenance:  Acquired from the oceanic weapon collection of Ron Grey, Los Angeles)

Period/Date: Likely early 20th century

Materials:  Woven fiber, wood, cord, shark teeth

Description:  Here's a rare surviving pair of protective glove weapons presented on a custom metal display stand.  These would have been worn in conjunction with full body armor.  These gloves helped protect the hands and wrists from sword blows at the same time could have been used offensively for deep cutting to the face and neck.  They are a hundred times more scarce than the shark tooth swords themselves.  One variety of these gloves can be seen on page 621 figure 717 of "Oceanic Art, Volume II" by Anthony J.P. Meyer showing a full suit of armor housed in the Australian Museum Sydney.  They are not missing any teeth so judging from their fine condition it is likely they were collected soon after they were made.

Dimensions:   Height 6" (not including wrist cordage)  (15.5 cm), Width 4.5"  (11.5 cm)

Price:  SOLD