Tabua

human history

Tabua. Three ceremonial whale's teeth attached to a thick double-twined fabric cord with plant fibre. An iyau (treasure) of high cultural value to Fijians. Sourced from a tovuto (sperm whale), each of the tabua have holes drilled into the base and tip, each are 'horn' shaped and tapered towards their tip. All three are ovoid in cross section with highly polished surface. Each tabua are amber or yellow brown in colour. The rim around the base of the central tabua is 'frilled' and grooved. Each tabua have a conical hollow cavity. The suspension cord is thick and double-plaited and of a maroon and grey colour. One tabua is attached to the cord from a drilled hole at its base, and two tabua are attahced to the cord via a dirlled hole at their tips.

Whakahounga o Mua: 21 Sept 2018
Ingoa Kē

Whale teeth (English)

Wāhi
Fiji
Rā Tāpiringa

1924

Tohu Tuakiri Kē

4044 (ethnology)

Wāhanga

Pacific

Uiuitia Tirohanga API
7 Mātātuhi
Tabua, 4044, Photographed by Jennifer Carol, digital, 03 Aug 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
Tirohia ngā pikitia ( 7)