Tabua. A ceremonial whale's tooth with a hole drilled at its tip and base areas and a braided suspension cord attached. An iyau (treasure) of high cultural value to Fijians. Sourced from a tovuto (sperm whale), the tabua is horn shaped, and ovoid in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is highly polished and a yellow colour, and a darker yellow colour at the tip. Several fine scratches and nicks on the tabua's surface. Several faint letters scratched into the side of the tabua but illegible. The rim around the base of the tabua is grooved and jagged. The hollow inner cavity of the tabua is conical in shape and dark brown in colour. The cord is made from light natural coloured plant fibre, braided at the centre of the length of cord, knotted and secured to the tabua.