Tabua (Whale tooth)

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 curved and tapered towards its tip, and ovoid in cross section. The outer surface of the tabua is highly polished and an ivory colour. Several fine scratches and nicks on the tabua's surface. Grooves up the length of the tabua from the base. An 'X' scratched into the side of the tabua. The rim around the base of the tabua is jagged and thin. The hollow inner cavity of the tabua is conical in shape and dark brown in colour. Cord of braided magimagi (coconut sennit) attached to the tabua with natural coloured plant fibre securing the cord to the tabua. The magimagi is wrapped to a cylindrical effect around itself to form the cord.