How do you build effective body armour without access to any metal?
In short: On the remote Pacific atolls of Kiribati, islanders developed a sophisticated tradition of armour and weaponry using only local materials. This video explores these ingenious creations, examining how they were constructed and how these traditional techniques are being preserved today.
Lacking metal resources, the people of Kiribati engineered protective gear using natural fibres found on their islands. These suits, which are part of the British Museum's Oceania collection, represent a unique approach to warfare that relied on local ingenuity rather than imported materials.
Curator Julie Adams highlights the craftsmanship involved in these pieces, which are both functional and culturally significant. Beyond the historical context of Kiribati warfare, the video examines the ongoing efforts to keep these traditional construction methods alive for future generations.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The most ingenious armour you've never heard of | Curator's Corner S10 E8
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