Tabua

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 rounded towards its tip, and round in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is highly polished and a pale yellow colour. Several fine scratches and nicks on the tabua's surface. There is a fine crack in the base of the tabua. The hollow inner cavity of the tabua is conical in shape and dark brown in colour. A fine chip in the enamel towards the tip revealing inner layers. A natural depression/node in hte tooth also near tip. Cord of red twine threaded and tied to the drilled holes in the tabua.