Artifact Number:
04807
Object:
Weapon, shark tooth
Leiomano
Material:
Wood (kauila), tooth (shark), metal (iron)
Dimensions:
31.0 x 3.9 x 4.2 cm
Origin:
Hawaii, Hawaii, Polynesia
Comments:
Shark-Tooth Weapon. Kauila wood handle armed with a tooth of the niuhi shark bought from Oleloa of Kealia, S. Kona, Hawaii on May 28, 1884. This cruel weapon was not used in battle but was designed for secret murder, especially for ripping open the bowels-ancient. (Emerson) The shaft is 31 cm long with a rectangular hole 0.8 by 0.5 cm located 1.7 cm from the butt end. The tooth of a great white shark, Carcharodon carcharis, is embedded in the shaft about 22.5 cm from the butt end. The portion of the tooth that cen be seen is 3.9 cm wide and 4.2 cm high. Figure 223. (Summers) A lengthwise medial slot serves as the seat for the shark's tooth. Tooth is embedded and anchored in a slot by two wooden pegs; one is passing straight through the central portion of the shark's tooth at the base, the other is obliguely passing through the basal lateral edge of the tooth. Both emerge flush with the surfaces of the haft on either side. Tooth is additionally gummed into the slot. This lightweight weapon may have been useful in close combat as an adjunct to grappling or sparring tactics. It may also have been used to slit a fallen victim's carotid artery and/or jugular vein. Possibly was used as a primary weapon of opportunity in surprise attacks made at close quarters; would be ideal for a woman to use. Can be held with cutting edge projecting either atop or below fist of holding the hand; cord loop anchor. (Draeger 1977:OP 72).
Collection Name: J.S. Emerson Collection
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