What Does Shark Tooth Jewelry Symbolize
Shark tooth is connected to ancient people who ruled oceans and its creatures. It symbolizes great power, rule, courage and valor. People often wear shark tooth jewelry such as shark tooth necklace to admire the bravery to those people and get connected with their believe. It also has a meaning of protection and good luck. It was worn by Hawaiian tribal chiefs in ancient times indicating their leadership character. That’s why shark tooth is also taken as a symbol of leadership as well.
Meaning of Shark Tooth Jewelry
There can be multiple meanings of shark tooth jewelry. Here we are discussing these one by one.
1. Protection
For centuries, shark teeth have been seen as a talisman of safety. Many believe that it can protect them from sea dangers. Even today, surfers say that it keeps them safe in water. It was not just for sharks only, the ocean is unpredictable with storms and hidden risks. A shark tooth was like a shield, a promise of safety on long journeys.
Even today, this belief hasn’t gone away. Many surfers and divers still believe a shark tooth pendant makes them feel safer in the water. That means shark teeth still carry this deeper meaning of protection, strength, and survival.
2. Strength and Courage
A shark is one of the most difficult animals in the ocean. Therefore, wearing it tooth is a way to show bravery and fearlessness. Back to Polynesian cultures, the warriors used to carry shark teeth on their weapons and necklaces to show that they were completely fearless.
Even today, that same symbolism survives. People who wear shark tooth jewelry often connect it with inner strength, resilience, and the courage to face challenges head-on.
3. Healing
Shark tooth necklaces, especially the fossil ones, are often seen as more than just jewelry. People believe they carry healing energy. They are kind of like crystals. Fossils are believed to smooth life’s transitions and help bring positive vibes.
If you wear one, it is said to guide you toward personal growth and better habits. Some even say it pushes you to show strength and confidence. But of course, it all depends on how you use it and what meaning you give it.
4. Status and Power
In old Hawaiian society, shark tooth wasn’t something just anyone could wear. It symbolized special meaning. Chiefs and important figures often wore it. Which shows their power and authority. So, apart from protection, the shark tooth also showed leadership and respect.
5. A Symbol of Fortune
In Fiji, sharks play an important role in folklore. Locals believe in a shark god named Dakuwaqa, a powerful figure. Who was half-man and half-shark. Fishermen and sailors wore shark tooth necklaces as they believed that the spirit of Dakuwaqa lived in them. And bringing protection and good luck during fishing trips and long journeys.
Modern Meanings of Shark Tooth
In modern times, people give shark tooth their own meaning. For some, it is just a piece of fashion and for others it is a spiritual charm. And it is not just a talk.
So, whether you wear it for the history, the belief, or for the fashion. A shark tooth necklace holds layers of meaning. It is one of those rare pieces where culture, nature, and modern lifestyle all come together.
Why People Wear Shark Tooth Jewelry?
There can be a number of reasons for which one can wear shark tooth jewelry. Some only take it as a way of doing fashion that is unique, cool and affordable. Others might take it as a symbol of their culture and tribal values.
For example, people with Pacific region roots take it as a symbol of their traditions and cultures. They see it as a very prestigious and symbolic gift of nature. Other people such as those who believe in modern fashion do not think this way. They see it as a unique way of doing fashion where you can wear something that is different from traditional jewelry made of gold or silver.
What Materials are Used for Shark Tooth Jewelry
Sometimes, these shark tooth items have natural shark teeth. But sometimes, they do not have. In that way, shark tooth are made out of other materials.
Here are some popular shark tooth necklaces.
Shark Tooth Jewelry and Tribal Cultures
Shark Tooth Jewelry is most popular in tribal areas of Hawaii and Maori.
Hawaii
In old Hawaii, shark teeth were not just for decoration. Chiefs of Hawaiian tribes used to wear a special necklace called lei niho palaoa which was considered as sacred. This was not for fashion but actually It was a way of showing to everyone that they have a lot of power and authority.
They were also using shark teeth on their weapons. They had these wooden clubs called a leiomano with razor-sharp shark teeth along the edge. This scary weapon was used for close fighting. Its razor-sharp teeth were designed to make deep cuts. For Hawaiians, using these weapons was a way to show raw power and the spirit of the ocean itself.
Polynesia and Māori
Polynesian tribes were the first to make and wear shark tooth jewelry. In their culture, sharks were seen as the patron of the gods or the sea. Therefore, wearing shark teeth was like taking fishermen and passengers to protect them in the sea. They believed that shark tooth ornaments protected them from any attack or evil. The warriors wore shark teeth to symbolize bravery and demonstrated their strong connection to the sea.
Is It legal to Wear Shark Tooth Jewelry?
Yes, it is legal to wear shark tooth necklace if shark tooth is fossilized or naturally shed. For example, sharks can have more than 50000 teeth in their lifetime. Sometimes, these teeth are broken and end up on beaches. Then people collect them and use them in jewelry. This is totally legal. But buying modern teeth from protected species is illegal. Other forms of beach jewelry are conch shell jewelry and puka shell jewelry.
If we go in detail of this trade, the according to Shark Stewards, which tracks CITES updates, trade rules now cover over 70 shark and ray species. Originally, you cannot buy or sell their body parts like their teeth or jaws in different countries without some serious paperwork and check.
If you are buying shark tooth ornaments, always ask where it came from. Fossil or morally sour teeth are the safest option. In this way, you are not only living on the right side of the law. But also supporting shark protection.
Conclusion
Shark tooth is not just a fashion piece. It carries stories that go back thousands of years. From Hawaiian warriors, who wore it for the preservation of today’s surfers, who see it as a symbol of strength and relationship with the ocean.
We have explored everything from the meaning behind shark teeth and symbols of power, courage, protection, healing and their use in different cultures. We also talked about why surfers are so attached to them. And what to see to avoid buying fake. When you wear shark teeth, you don’t just wear jewelry. You are taking a piece of history, culture and nature with you.
FAQs about Shark Tooth Jewelry
Here are some common FAQs about Shark Tooth .
1. Is wearing shark tooth legal?
Yes, as long as the tooth is fossilized or naturally shed. Buying modern teeth from protected species is illegal in many countries.
2. Are shark teeth lucky?
Many cultures believe so. Hawaiians and surfers see them as protection and good luck, especially for travelers and ocean lovers.
3. How old can shark teeth be?
Fossil shark teeth can be millions of years old. This is why they feel heavier and stronger than modern people.
4. Why do surfers wear shark teeth?
It started as a symbol of courage and respect for the ocean. Many surfers wear them as a charm for protection.