Tabua

Tabua. A large size ceremonial whale's tooth with braided voivoi (pandanus) suspension cord attached. An iyau (treasure) of high cultural value to Fijians. Sourced from a tovuto (sperm whale), the tabua is crescent shaped and triangular in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is polished and yellow in colour. Very scratched on the tabua's surface, with deeper scratches and marks around the base of the tabua. A shallow cavity at base end. Threaded through each drilled hole is plant fibre that attaches the main suspension cord of box-braided voivoi fibre (natural in colour).