Tabua (Ceremonial whale tooth)

Description:
Tabua (Ceremonial whale tooth), Fiji, maker unknown. © The copyright holder. We are actively seeking the copyright holder. Contact copyright@tepapa.govt.nz if you can help. Te Papa (FE005549). Tabua are pierced and braided whales' teeth, originally taken from the lower jaw of sperm whales found stranded on Fijian beaches. Because whale strandings are relatively rare in Fiji, whale teeth are highly valued. Cultural value In Pacific Island societies, some objects have a cultural value that far outweigh... Overall: 65mm (width), 215mm (length), 45mm (depth)
Display date:
16 Nov 2010
Location:
Fiji
Format:
PhysicalObject
Collections:
Te Papa Collections Online
Content partner:
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Availability:
Not specified
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Te Papa Collections Online
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa