Extraordinary 18th-19th C. Gilbert Island Sharktooth Wrist Dagger, w/ Original Cordage!
Extraordinary 18th-19th C. Gilbert Island Sharktooth Wrist Dagger, w/ Original Cordage!
Origin: Micronesia, Kiribati (Gilbert Islands) (Provenance: from an old Dutch Collection)
Period/Date: I feel this is likely an 18th Century example judging from the quality of the cord and craftsmanship. To be conservative lets say first half of the 19th century.
Materials: Hardwood, Large shark teeth, fiber cordage (Coconut sennit), Traces of breadfruit sap adhesive.
Description: A superb example of a deadly "wrist dagger" with original wrist cordage and very large teeth. Very robust construction with lovely zigzag stitching. It has a relief-carved bottle nose head flanked by teeth and then it is elegantly waisted below that. It has a raised medial ridge. In excellent condition having acquired a rich varied use patina. This weapon was ideal for making fatal gashes to the neck and carotid artery in the leg and was often carried when traveling. Note the dagger comes with a generic display stand but a custom one maybe ordered for an additional fee.
Dimensions: Height 8 1/8” (20.5 cm), width 2” (5 cm)