A fourteenth-century amulet in the British Museum, London, made from a fossilized shark tooth set in silver, probably
from a Megatooth Shark. Such pieces often had a silver loop at the top through which a thong or necklace could be
strung. Calledglossopetrae, (“tongue stones”), such fossils were thought to be the petrified tongues of dragons and
snakes and were used as remedies against poisons and toxins. This amulet was about 3 cm ( 1. 25 in) high.Photo by
Gene Helfman
Contemporary native shark art. (Left) A “mola” from the San Blas Islands of Panama. Molas are sewn in reverse ap-
pliqué (multiple-layer) fashion onto the front and back of the blouses of Kuna women. The designs originated as body
paintings but were incorporated into clothing following contact with Europeans. Many are now produced for the tour-
ist trade. (Right) Detail from a Coast Salish house post, part of a sculpture titled “Interaction” by Musqueam artist
Susan Point. The sculpture sits on the waterfront of Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington. The post is carved
and painted in the style of a totem pole, with a Spiny Dogfish near its base. Further up, the post includes herring,
salmon, and, at the top, a killer whale, representing a healthy marine ecosystem.Photos by Gene Helfman