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 very ground down to a point towards its tip. Ovoid in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is highly polished and an ivory colour. Several fine scratches and nicks on the tabua's surface, including. The rim around the base of the tabua is jagged and thin. The hollow inner cavity of the tabua is conical in shape and dark amber in colour.

Ingoa Kē

Whale tooth (English)

Wāhi

Fiji

Accession Number

1971.64

Rā Tāpiringa

03 May 1971

Tohu Tuakiri Kē

44496 (ethnology)

Wāhanga

Pacific