EASTER ISLAND Sword with Bird & Kava Kava handle, a wood carving we obtained on Easter Island in 1973, weighs 14 ounces, measures 20.5 inches long, and 4 inches wide at the Kava Kava head. The carving is in its original, pristine condition, having no significant chips, dents, stains, or scratches (except for some tiny white blemishes near the bottom of the sword). The blemishes are likely tiny scratches that can be hidden with wood polish/conditioner. The carving resembles an Arab scimitar or Chinese executioner's sword and was made circa 1972 for sale to tourists. The wood was probably imported from Chile as few trees remain on the island. The bird may be a sea gull, whose eggs the islanders collected by swimming to a tiny island during the annual Bird Man ceremony (Tangata Manu).  Similar birds are seen in a collection of apparently antique (original) carvings in the last photo, which we found with a google search. The date 1973 is seen on the base of a large wooden moai we collected on the same trip (see photo).  The photo of Easter Islanders in small boats (see photo) was taken in February,1970 aboard the NOAA vessel Oceanographer during a stop for medical emergency.  The islanders traded carvings for blue jeans and other hard to obtain items.

Shipping cost (domestic) varies with destination. The cost to Kentucky or Boston is $10.77.  We ship to any country serviced by the Ebay Global shipping program.  No domestic handling charge.

Insurance (domestic) is included in the shipping charge.