Tabua

human history

Tabua. A large size ceremonial whale's tooth with braided magimagi (coconut sennit) suspension cord attached. An iyau (treasure) of high cultural value to Fijians. Made from whale bone, the tabua is carved and ground into a crescent shape to replicate tabua shaped from tovuto (sperm whale) tooth. Ovoid in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is porous and a speckled off white colour with several dents. A small cross is etched onto the surface of this tabua. The cord of magimagi is medium brown in colour.

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

Whale Tooth (Fijian)

Wāhi
Fiji
Accession Number

1925.92

Rā Tāpiringa

30 Apr 1925

Tohu Tuakiri Kē

13571 (ethnology)

Wāhanga

Pacific

Uiuitia Tirohanga API
14 Mātātuhi
Tabua, 1925.92, 13571, Photographed by Jennifer Carol, digital, 01 Aug 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply
Tabua, 1925.92, 13571, Photographed by Jennifer Carol, digital, 01 Aug 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
Tirohia ngā pikitia ( 14)