§ Symbol
Shark teeth
Niho manō
Polynesia at large · the backbone of Samoan tattooing
Shark teeth (niho manō) are bands of triangles symbolising protection, strength and adaptability in Polynesian tattooing. They are the most common structural pattern and the basis of most 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, adaptability.
Niho is tooth and manō is shark. It's probably the most widespread pattern in all of Polynesia: 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. On many islands it also carries a note of adaptability, because the shark moves as easily in shallow water as in open sea.
In practice 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 Leo draws starts here.
§ How it's drawn
Aligned triangles, in one or several rows. Interlocked in two opposing rows they form diamonds; alternating solid and empty they generate the zigzag that closes most armbands.
§ Works well with
Interested in a piece with the shark teeth?
In the consultation we work out how it fits your body and your story.
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