Shark Tooth Knife

By Shaun Edwards

2026

The shark tooth knife is a culturally significant cutting implement of the Kokoberrin people of western Cape York Peninsula. Shark tooth knives were traditionally shared among neighbouring Aboriginal groups along the western coastal regions, reflecting longstanding cultural exchange, kinship relationships and the movement of specialised technologies across Country.

The knife consists of a carefully shaped handle fashioned from yok ngulthem (Ironwood), a dense and durable timber selected for its strength and longevity. The timber is worked into a flat, narrow form with rounded edges, allowing a secure grip while maintaining balance during use. Along one edge, a series of ko-kanthérr (shark teeth) are individually embedded into a bed of natural plant resin. Each tooth is positioned to create a finely serrated cutting edge capable of slicing through flesh with remarkable precision.