Nifo'oti. Hooked knife. This is a hand made nifo'oti made from one piece of toa (ironwood). The handle of the nifo'oti is cylindrical in shape and is decorated with four bands of mamanu (Samoan decorative motifs). These mamanu are made of triangular indents and also adorn both sides of the entire blade. The blade is rectangular in shape and flat with a lave (hook) at one tip. The term nifo'oti is understood a number of ways. One theory references the nifo (curve) of an 'oti (goat) horn as being the inspiration behind the design. While another describes how the nifo (teeth) were used to 'oti (to cut). Traditionally the nifo'oti was used as an 'au'upega (weapon of war) to behead slain enemies and the lave used for storage. Today the nifo'oti survives as a dancing knife used by both male and females for entertainment purposes.