Tabua

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.

Two whale teeth that have a hole drilled into them through which a braided string passes. Natural colour cord.