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photograph of current display in the Grand Vestibule
Grand Vestibule: The British Monarchy and the World

The Grand Vestibule at Windsor Castle reflects interaction between the monarchy and the wider world

GILBERT AND ELLICE ISLANDS

Trident

RCIN 92178

A decorative shark tooth trident made from wood, the central prong longer than the two side prongs. Shark's teeth are attached to the edges by thin wooden strips and the woven brown and cream coloured straw handle is secured with a black braided hair cord.

Hand weapons with shark tooth blades were traditionally made in the Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati) in a range of sizes and forms. Tridents would have been carried by a warrior's supporters; the warrior himself bearing a long shark-tooth tipped spear up to six metres in length. Since the early twentieth century only daggers have continued to be produced, being made in large numbers for the tourist market.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.