Tabua. A ceremonial whale's tooth with a hole drilled at its tip and base areas for suspension cord attached. 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 yellow-amber colour. Several fine scratches and nicks on the tabua's surface of a dark brown colour. The hollow inner cavity of the tabua is conical in shape and dark brown in colour. Suspension cord of three-ply chain-braided plant fibre. Tabua secured to the cord by plant fibre and nylon string securing the braided suspension cord to the tabua through the holes drilled at tip and base.