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 banana shaped and ovoid in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is highly polished and a yellow-amber colour, possibly enhanced through a smoking technique. Surface scratching and rippled grooves running the length of the enamel of dark brown colour. The tip of the tabua is chipped showing a white inner layer under the enamel.