AUCTIONS IMPERIAL MAY 2021

A VERY RARE KIRIBATI (GILBERT ISLANDS) ARMOR SET

The auction will start in __ days and __ hours

Start price: $500

Estimated price: $1,000 - $1,200

Buyer's premium:

Description

Comprising a characteristic helmet formed of a dried and hardened blowfish, with flaps cut in for the neck and cheeks, spines, fins and tail intact. The body armor a monumental work, woven and knotted of coconut and other fibers in complex designs and forming a strong yet flexible protection against weapons edged with shark’s teeth, for the entire body, from neck ankle, including the fingers and often combined with a woven outer protection. Armor 19th century or earlier. Minor wear, openings stitched shut, minor repairs. Helmet 20th century, one area with later paint. Overall length of the armor 131cms. Condition III