No.490

A Fijian Tabua aka a sperm whale tooth attached to a hand made coconut fibre sennit cord used as a necklace. The tabua is attached by a hole at the tip and base. The tooth measures 15cm x 5 x 3.5cm.

In Fiji beautifully polished whale teeth are known as “tabua.” They hold a potent spiritual value. They are considered sacred, hence the name “tabu-a” [tabu = sacred]. Traditionally they come with a braided sennit cord attached at tip and butt.

Tabua were a social necessity. They were ceremonially presented on all formal occasions. Their acceptance by a chief bound him morally and spiritually to another party or a desired course of action. This usage continues today.