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 curved and tapered towards its tip, and ovoid in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is highly polished and a milky yellow colour. Several fine scratches and nicks on the tabua's surface. The rim around the base of the tabua is jagged and thin. The hollow inner cavity of the tabua is conical in shape and yellow-brown in colour. A short cord of twine is threaded through each of the drilled holes for suspension.