To be used as a means of grasping food there needs to be qualities that teeth must possess. In carrying species it must be anchored to an underlying bone.
The teeth can be seen with different sizes, shapes and numbers. Of course a dog’s teeth would be different from a human’s.
In all the groups compromising vertebrates there are teeth or tooth like structures that are called denticles, thought this is lost in some evolutionary lineages.
But what if teeth took control of a whole body?
What if teeth were all that way?
Have you seen a picture of a toddler’s skull?
All teeth fighting for their place.
Canine teeth are special though.
They puncture.
They slice.
They pierce.
They rip.
They tear.
Immediately after getting to their prey the animal bites and swallows immediately.
A crocodile has nothing but canine teeth.
And can you imagine being bit?
Imagine a being without the trappings of flesh.
Roiling and rolling in a violent cadence.
Not needing to breathe, yet it takes the last breath of its victims.
That is the Tinghoan.
Pray you never hear it bite.
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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Inspired by the Tingohan description in Bikol Beliefs and Folkways: A Showcase of Tradition. Nasayao 2010.
Illustration by Von Milano
Illustration reposted with permission from Rob Martin of Pine Box Entertainment and Secret Garden Games
