Tabua

human history

Tabua. Two segments of a ceremonial whale's tooth secured together at their base with coconut fibre and metal wire. An iyau (treasure) of high cultural value to Fijians. Sourced from a tovuto (sperm whale), each of the tabua segments is drilled with a hole at the base; one segment has three holes drilled in total. Each are curved and tapered towards the tip. They are highly polished and a cream-yellow colour. Interior of one segment has a half-conical cavity.

Accession number: 1925.92 Last Update: 21 Sept 2018
Other Name

Whale tooth (English)

Place
Fiji
Accession Number

1925.92

Accession Date

30 Apr 1925

Other Id

13568 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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Tabua, 1925.92, 13568, Photographed by Jennifer Carol, digital, 01 Aug 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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