Tabua
Artist Unidentified, Papuan
19th–20th century
Object PlaceFiji
Medium/TechniqueWhale's tooth, coconut fiber cord
DimensionsTusk length: 15 cm (5 11/16 in.)
Credit LineGift of Governor Carlton Skinner and Solange Skinner
Accession number2002.782
On View
Not on viewClassificationsJewelry / Adornment
Collections
Whale teeth (tabua) have a very high spiritual value to Fijians. Tabua are used as important presentation items in spiritual as well as worldly matters. Imbued with deep meaning, tabua were able to remedy almost all infractions, and also had the power to make agreements and requests binding. Thus, chiefs gave tabua as diplomatic gifts during rituals to seal alliances and pacts. As a sign of respect to the recipients, tabua are presented on various occasions such as the reception of a king, at weddings, funerals, births as well as virtually all state occasions.
ProvenanceAbout 1960/1961, during a Tabua ritual in Fiji, presented to Governor Carlton Skinner (b. 1913 - d. 2004), Boston; 2002, year-end gift of Carlton Skinner and Solange Skinner to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 22, 2003)19th-20th Century
19th-20th century
Late 19th to early 20th century
mid to late 20th century
late 19th century
20th century, 1950–2000
