Wanjibung Edwards, (Shark Tooth Knife I, II, III, IV, V, VI)
- Yok ngulthém - Ironwood, Ko-kanthérr, small teeth shark,Resin Cabbage palm string
- 19.5 x 4.5 x 0.8cm
The sacred shark tooth knife stands as a revered cultural object, a symbol of deep ancestral wisdom and responsibility. Crafted with meticulous care, its form embodies both function and tradition, reflecting the craftsmanship passed down through countless generations. The handle, shaped from yok ngulthem, Ironwood, is smoothed and polished, its surface worn by the hands of those who came before. It carries the essence of the land, strong and unyielding, a testament to the enduring spirit of pa la nganthenduw.
Embedded along its edges, the ko-kantherr, small but formidable shark teeth, gleam with a sharpness that speaks of their yingguy, yunggal, freshwater, saltwater origin. Each tooth is carefully affixed with resin, ensuring its permanence, its placement precise and intentional. The serrated edge of the knife, the blade, is designed not just for cutting, but for honouring the structure of kinship, ensuring balance and fairness in the division of food. The knife, a lefthanded object by custom, aligns with the teachings of Kokoberrin ancestors, guiding the hands that wield it with purpose.
In practice, the knife is not merely a tool but a conduit of order. Every yakel, cut, follows an ancestral pattern, ensuring that the minya, meat, is distributed in accordance with strict cultural laws. The sequence of division is as much a ritual as it is a necessity, each portion destined for a specific member of the family. The oldest receive their share first, followed by those next in line, until every individual has been acknowledged in the line of kinship. A single misplaced cut would disrupt the sacred balance, a mistake that could not be taken lightly.
To hold the knife is to carry the duty of the ancestors, to uphold the traditions that have long governed the Kokoberrin way of life. The young men who aspire to wield it must first observe, listen, and understand the significance of every motion, every choice. The knife is never handled without intent, never lifted without respect. It remains an extension of cultural law, an object imbued with the spirits of those who came before, ensuring that each act of division, each cut made, is not just an action, but an offering to the past and a promise to the future.
The shark tooth knife remains safeguarded, its presence respected, its use reserved for those entrusted with its legacy. In its form, in its sharp edges and sturdy grip, it holds the essence of the Kokoberrin people, their resilience, their knowledge, and their unbroken connection to Pinnarinch, place, yunggal, yingguy sea, and kinship.
