Treasures of Hawai‘i
Bishop Museum
The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Honolulu, Hawai‘i

Shark Tooth Weapon

(29k)

Hawaiians made good use of materials from their natural world. Shark's teeth made excellent carving tools and fearsome weapons. Simple tools used 1 or 2 teeth, some weapons used more. This awesome one of 42 tiger shark teeth, studded on carved koa, would frighten any enemy. The weapon was probably carried into battle by a high-ranking chief. It was found recently at Warwick Castle, England, and may have been collected during Captain Cook's expedition in Hawai‘i .
Gift: Hemmeter Corporation, 1991.

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The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
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Revised March 16, 1997 by jys