Tabua (ceremonial whale tooth), c1800s

Description

This tabua, a kapkap (a forehead or shoulder ornament), is a large, cream-coloured whale tooth, originating from Fiji in the 19th century. It is perforated at the tip and the base for suspension. Its suspension cord is a tight, complex plait of sennit (coconut fibre) with ornamental knots at 2-3 cm intervals. Nine ornamental bands of pandanus leaf, about 1.0 cm wide, are dotted around the cord. The tooth measures 16.8 cm (h) x .70 cm (w) x 5.5 cm (d), and including the cord it measures 32.0 cm x 16.0 cm.

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