Te unun Kiribati shark tooth weapon

josh stout · 25th August 2014, 04:24 AM

I am not too familiar with shark tooth weapons, but I find it very interesting that different kinds of teeth are used on each side. One side has straight, relatively round teeth from the front of a shark jaw. The other side has teeth that come from further back in the jaw. These have been arranged with the teeth all pointing toward the tip. The exception is the two loose teeth next to the frayed wrap. Why is this spot different? Are the teeth a period repair? Is there some reason for the wrap?
I am also curious to see what is used for the tip. Is it a bone?

Shakethetrees · 25th August 2014, 05:48 AM

You've got a good eye!

I never noticed the difference between the upper and lower sets.

I think they're all original, as the wrapping all appears to be old and of the same time. One of the loose teeth has come loose since I've owned it. It was hanging by one strand, and with the minimal jostling and handling, it still broke. I don't think the tip ever had a tooth point.

25th August 2014, 04:24 AM	#1
josh stout Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 407	I am not too familiar with shark tooth weapons, but I find it very interesting that different kinds of teeth are used on each side. One side has straight, relatively round teeth from the front of a shark jaw. The other side has teeth that come from further back in the jaw. These have been arranged with the teeth all pointing toward the tip. The exception is the two loose teeth next to the frayed wrap. Why is this spot different? Are the teeth a period repair? Is there some reason for the wrap? I am also curious to see what is used for the tip. Is it a bone?

25th August 2014, 05:48 AM	#2
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	You've got a good eye! I never noticed the difference between the upper and lower sets. I think they're all original, as the wrapping all appears to be old and of the same time. One of the loose teeth has come loose since I've owned it. It was hanging by one strand, and with the minimal jostling and handling, it still broke. I don't think the tip ever had a tooth point.