Polynesia, Hawaiian Islands, mid-20th century CE. An attractive shark-toothed wooden club known as a leiomano comprised of native Hawaiian wood, probably from the koa tree, finely carved and smoothed into a pointed spade-like head with a long dagger-shaped handle. Most intimidating are the 21 sharp shark teeth jutting out from the periphery of the head and secured by te koro, twine made from coconut fiber, neatly threaded through perforations. A generous loop of braided rattan is threaded through a perforation at the end of the handle and secured via a large knot. Size: 17.125" L x 6" W (43.5 cm x 15.2 cm); the shark teeth measure about .625" L x 6" W (1.6 cm x 15.2 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#142544

Missing three teeth, but the 21 remaining teeth are in very good condition save a few minute nicks. The wood body and cord are in excellent condition.