Ceremonial whale tooth "tabua" · Fidji Islands · ID: 3050191

Name: Ceremonial whale tooth "tabua"
SKU: 3050191
Price: 1300 EUR
Availability: SoldOut

sold EUR 1,300

Provenance

Alexander Kubetz (1946-2023), Munich, Germany

Size

L: 18,5 cm (tooth)

40 cm (fibre string)

L: 7.3 inch (tooth)

15.7 inch (fibre string)

Description

coconut fibre sennit,

“Tabua” are made from the teeth of stranded sperm whales.

Because whale strandings are relatively rare in Fiji, whale teeth are highly valued. Fijians consider “tabua” to be “kavakaturanga” (chiefly items).

They are not worn, but are presented at important ceremonies, including weddings, births, and funerals. “Tabua” used to be the most effective way to give weight to an apology or atonement. The occasion that “tabua” are presented at also determines their spiritual value.

The object Ceremonial whale tooth “tabua” with the object ID 3050191 was part of the auction 101st Auction on November 11, 2023. The object with the lot number 63 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,300 with an asking price of EUR 400.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about Oceanian art.