Tabua

human history

Tabua. Two segments of a ceremonial whale's tooth secured together at their base with coconut fibre and metal wire. An iyau (treasure) of high cultural value to Fijians. Sourced from a tovuto (sperm whale), each of the tabua segments is drilled with a hole at the base; one segment has three holes drilled in total. Each are curved and tapered towards the tip. They are highly polished and a cream-yellow colour. Interior of one segment has a half-conical cavity.

Nama tāpiringa: 1925.92 Whakahounga o Mua: 21 Sept 2018
Ingoa Kē

Whale tooth (English)

Wāhi
Fiji
Accession Number

1925.92

Rā Tāpiringa

30 Apr 1925

Tohu Tuakiri Kē

13568 (ethnology)

Wāhanga

Pacific

Uiuitia Tirohanga API
10 Mātātuhi
Tabua, 1925.92, 13568, Photographed by Jennifer Carol, digital, 01 Aug 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply
Tabua, 1925.92, 13568, Photographed by Jennifer Carol, digital, 01 Aug 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
Tirohia ngā pikitia ( 10)