Description: Tabua. Consisting of a tovuto (sperm whale)'s tooth with wa ni tabua (cord of the tabua) attached to the ends of the tooth. Wide root end tapering towards a pointed end, ovoid in cross-section, with a hollow cavity. The tabua consists of various tones of yellow and orange, with rugged ridges close to the root end with dark-brown/black coloured crevices. There are two holes drilled, one at each end of the tabua. "T" is incised on one side of the tabua. "I N I A Datuvu" is also incised across the opposite side of the tabua. The wa ni tabua voivoi (cord of the tabua made of pandanus), is woven out in a 'box-plait' weave. There are cords possibly made of vau (hibiscus fibre) threaded through each hole, and tied to the ends of the wa ni tabua. There is also pink and white striped cotton thread wrapped and knotted around ends of the wa ni tabua.
Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 1986.230Accession Date: 02 Nov 1986Description: Tabua. Consisting of a tovuto (sperm whale)'s tooth with wa ni tabua (cord of the tabua) attached to the ends of the tooth. Wide root end tapering towards a pointed end, ovoid…