Tabua. A ceremonial whale's tooth with a suspension cord attached. An iyau (treasure) of high cultural value to Fijians. Sourced from a tovuto (sperm whale), the tabua is curved and tapered towards its tip, and ovoid in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is highly polished and a yellow-brown colour. Damage at the tip of the tabua exposing inner layers of the enamel as well as a large area of chipping at the base. A cord of 3-ply braided dark brown magimagi (coconut sennit) is wedged and plugged into the base of the tabua.