Helmet (Replica)
ClassificationsArms and Armor-armor-helmets
Culture
I-Kiribati
style
Date2021
Made AtCalifornia, United States
MediumPorcupine fish, palm and fiber
Dimensions13 1/2 × 10 3/4 × 8 1/2 in. (34.3 × 27.3 × 21.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2021.8.99
DescriptionThe horrific wounds inflicted by shark tooth weapons were largely mitigated by the elaborate armor worn by Kiribati warriors. A full set of armor consisted of a loosely woven coconut fiber full body suit, the more densely woven coconut fiber and human hair cuirass with attached head guard, and a largely ornamental helmet such as this one made from a dried porcupine fish. This helmet is a contemporary replica made using the same methods that would have been used by I-Kiribati craftsmen. Given that killing a foe often involved settling a debt by paying land to the family of the deceased, heavy sets of armor ensured that most combats ended in non-fatal wounds.On View
On viewCollections
early to mid 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century