Are sawfish culturally important?
Yes. Tribal societies in Central America, West Africa, Australia, and Papua, New Guinea consider sawfish supernatural beings which bring energy for renewal and bring prosperity to their communities. Some tribes feel sawfish control fish populations by enhancing them. They believe that if the saw is hung over their doors it will keep ghosts out of the houses, and if wrapped in a cloth and hung over a cradle it will stop babies from crying. The Kuna, native to the Caribbean, believe that sawfish are protectors and the sawfish will defend them when they are out at sea and prevent the mariners from drowning.
