The Fascinating History and Meanings of Old School Shark Tattoos

– The significance of old school shark tattoos in representing fears of the deep sea and predators
– The traditional practice of sailors tattooing sharks on themselves for protection during dangerous voyages
– Sharks as gods in Hawaiian mythology and their believed protective powers
– Sharks as guardians of sailors and fishermen in Fiji
– Australian folklore about shape-shifting shark entities
– The fearless embrace of nature and adventure represented by old school shark tattoos
– Different body parts where traditional shark tattoos can be inked
– The specific symbolism of sharks in Polynesian culture
– The hammerhead shark as a guardian protecting people from man-eating sharks
– Shark teeth (“niho mano”) representing power, protection, guidance, and adaptability
– Westernization and adoption of traditional shark tattoo designs after Captain James Cook’s expedition
– Sharks as a symbol of a “keep moving forward” attitude
– Sharks being at the top of the food chain in the ocean with no natural predators
– Shark tattoos symbolizing a refusal to be victimized or intimidated by others
– The emotionless and steely yet calm and determined nature of sharks
– The original wearing of shark tattoos by men at sea
– Sailors’ belief in shark tattoos as talismans for protection from ocean dangers