In the 19th century, the warriors of Kiribati utilized an extraordinary form of protective headgear known as te barantauti, which were helmets constructed from the desiccated skins of porcupinefish.

These pufferfish, characterized by their sharp spines, served as a natural form of armor, rendering the helmets both effective and intimidating.

This innovative use of local resources exemplifies the ingenuity of the Kiribati people, who adeptly integrated the defensive adaptations observed in indigenous wildlife into their own protective gear, thereby merging practical functionality with the inherent defensive characteristics of their environment.