item details
NameMaripi (shark-tooth knife)
ProductionUnknown; carver; 1500 / 1800; New Zealand
Classificationknives
Materialswood, pāua (abalone shell), tooth, kōkōwai
Materials Summaryshark teeth, wood, paua shell
Techniquescarving
DimensionsOverall: 53mm (width), 215mm (length), 63.05g (weight)
Registration NumberME002493
Credit lineGift of Lord St Oswald, 1912
Overview
This elaborately carved maripi (shark-tooth knife) is beautifully preserved and remains a fierce looking tool. Maripi were cutting tools made from wood and sharks’ teeth lashed into place by flax fibre. They were used to cut flesh, such as whale or shark, and for other utilitarian tasks. There are, however, some accounts that they were also used in battle.