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 horn-shaped and tapered towards its tip into a rounded point. Ovoid in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is highly polished and a light cream colour. Several fine scratches and little marks on the tabua's surface. The rim around the base of the tabua is jagged. The hollow inner cavity of the tabua extends into the interior and is conical in shape and dark brown in colour.