In the world of One Piece, tattoos play a significant role in the lives of the characters. Among the various tattoos that appear in the show, the shark tattoo on Nami's arm stands out.
In this blog post, I will explain the symbolism and significance of the shark tattoo in One Piece and explore its importance in the context of the story.
The Shark Tattoo's Origins
The shark tattoo is mainly associated with the Arlong Pirates, a crew of fish-men who terrorized the East Blue. The tattoo consists of a shark and two bones in the background.
This was the pirates' symbol and was tattooed onto all of the members of the Arlong Pirates. Even Nami was forced to have it on her arm as a mark of loyalty.
She hated the tattoo and tried to cover it with a bandage or a sleeve, as it reminded her of her tragic past and her oppression by Arlong.
Symbolism of the Shark Tattoo
If explained simply, we can say it symbolizes Arlong pirates, because Arlong was a shark, and leader of the Arlong pirates. So, it was obvious that their emblem will be a shark tattoo. But, the shark tattoo also has a deeper meaning.
The shark symbolizes the power and dominance of the Arlong Pirates, who considered themselves superior to humans. The bones represent their cruelty and violence, as they did not hesitate to kill anyone who opposed them.
The Shark Tattoo's Impact on the Story
The shark tattoo in One Piece plays a significant role in the storyline and character development. For Nami, it becomes a symbol of her struggle, loyalty, and eventual liberation from Arlong's oppressive rule.
After Luffy and his crew defeated Arlong and freed Nami's village, Nami decided to change her tattoo and make it a symbol of her new life.
She asked Nojiko, her adoptive sister, to give her the same tattoo as hers: an orange tangerine and a blue pinwheel. The tangerine represents Bell-mère, their adoptive mother who was killed by Arlong, and the pinwheel represents Genzo, the village sheriff who protected them.
The new tattoo also covers the old shark tattoo, symbolizing Nami's liberation from Arlong's tyranny.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shark tattoo in One Piece is a powerful example of how tattoos can reflect one's identity, history, and emotions. For Arlong and his crew, it is a sign of their tyranny and arrogance.
It also shows how tattoos can be transformed into something new and meaningful, as a way of healing and moving on. The shark tattoo is a good example of how tattoos can convey different messages in One Piece.