§ Symbol
Shark teeth
Niho manō
Polynesia at large · strong in Samoa and Hawaii
Shark teeth (niho manō, in Hawaiian) are bands of triangles symbolising protection and strength in Polynesian tattooing. They are one of the most widespread patterns and the structural basis of many armbands.
§ How I draw it
4 original drawings
None of these drawings gets tattooed as it is. They're the starting point: in the consultation the motif is adapted to your anatomy and to the rest of the piece.
§ Meaning
Protection, strength, ferocity.
Niho manō is the Hawaiian name: niho is tooth and manō is shark. It's one of the most widespread patterns in Polynesian tattooing: a row of triangles, alone or in several interlocking rows, representing the animal's teeth.
The reading is protective: wearing the predator's teeth is wearing its strength. Today it's often given a note of adaptability too, though that reading is contemporary rather than traditional.
In the studio it's also the most useful structural tool there is. A band of niho separates two blocks, marks the edge of an armband or wraps a limb without needing any other element. Almost every armband I draw starts here.
§ How it's drawn
Aligned triangles, in one or several rows. Interlocked in opposing rows they form diamonds; alternating solid and empty they generate the zigzag that closes many armbands.
§ Works well with
Interested in a piece with this symbol?
In the consultation we work out how it fits your body and your story.
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