Undecorated sperm whale tooth attached to a woven cord, called a tabua. The cord is made of braided plant fibre wrapped with colourful strands of yarn. Two holes are bored through the tooth, one at the tip and one near the top, through which the cord is tied.

• History Of Use

  A tabua is a polished tooth of a sperm whale that is an important cultural item in Fijian society. They were traditionally given as gifts for atonement or esteem (called sevusevu), and were important in negotiations between rival chiefs. The dead men would be buried with their tabua, along with war clubs to help them in the afterlife. Originally they were very rare items, available only from beached whales and from trade from neighbouring Tonga (where the practice may have originated), but when the market became known in the early 1800s many fakes, made from ivory and walrus tusks, entered the market. Today the tabua remains an important item in Fijian life. They are not sold, but presented (gifted) or traded at ceremonial events.

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• Type of Item tabua
• Culture Fijian
• Material sperm whale tooth, wool fibre, plant fibre
• Measurements height 35.0 cm, width 5.5 cm, depth 4.3 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Carole McKnight
• Received from Carole McKnight

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• Made in Fiji

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• Ownership Date before June 22, 2015
• Acquisition Date on June 22, 2015

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• Condition good
• Accession Number 3114/0002