Tabua. A ceremonial whale's tooth with a hole drilled at its tip and base areas and a braided suspension cord attached. An iyau (treasure) of high cultural value to Fijians. Sourced from a tovuto (sperm whale), the tabua is horn-shaped and curved at the tip. Ovoid in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is highly polished and a yellow-amber colour, possibly enhanced through a smoking technique. Several fine scratches and nicks on the tabua's surface. The rim around the base of the tabua is jagged. The hollow inner cavity of the tabua is conical in shape and darker amber in colour. A knotted suspension cord of fibre rope secured to the tabua through thread and plant fibre pieces that are threaded through the drilled holes to secure the two.