Tabua. A ceremonial whale's tooth with a hole drilled at its tip and base areas for suspension. An iyau (treasure) of high cultural value to Fijians. Sourced from a tovuto (sperm whale), the tabua is crescent-shaped and ovoid in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is highly polished and a yellow-brown colour. Several fine scratches and nicks on the tabua's surface and deep grooves in the enamel. A large chasm up the side of the tabua. The rim around the base of the tabua is jagged and thin. The hollow inner cavity of the tabua is dark brown in colour.