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 smoothed and highly polished, a yellow-amber colour, possibly enhanced through a smoking technique. Several fine scratches and nicks on the tabua's surface. "O/N" is handwritten in faded dark ink also on th surface of the tabua. The hollow inner cavity of the tabua extends deep into the interior of the tabua and is conical in shape and dark brown in colour. Significant chipping visible at the base of the tabua revealing the inner white layer under the outer surface.