Accession No

2005.691


Description

Presentation sperm whale tooth (tabua), pierced at the tip (one hole) and at the butt (one hole), and hung on a braided cord of coir .


Place

Oceania; Polynesia; Fiji


Period


Source

Foster, Robert [collector]; White.C [donor]


Department

Anth


Reference Numbers

2005.691


Cultural Affliation


Material

Ivory; Tooth; Plant; Fibre


Local Term

Tabua


Measurements


Events

Description (Inscription)
'MALAKAI.AL' and 'MALEVATIA' incised on the other side.
Event Date
Author: Lucie Carreau


Description (Inscription)
'NA' incised on one side of the tooth.
Event Date
Author: Lucie Carreau


Context (Field collection)
(Bio): Sir Robert Foster (collector).
Event Date
Author: maa


Description (Labels & Markings)
'2005.691' inscribed in white ink near the butt of the tooth.
Event Date 2005
Author: Lucie Carreau


Description (Physical description)
Wooden tabua on a coconut fibre rope. The letters/words “Malakaial” “Malivatia” can be read on the surface of the ‘tooth’. The suspension cord consists of a thickly woven rope.
Event Date 27/6/2006
Author: maa


Description (Physical description)
Presentation sperm whale tooth (tabua), pierced at the tip (one hole) and at the butt (one hole), and hung on a braided cord of coir reminiscent of the watabu cords of tanoa bowls. The cord is attached to both ends of the whale tooth with metal threads. The butt of the tooth is almost oval in section while the tip is circular in section and tapering. The tip of the tooth is cracked almost all around. There are also two large cracks at the butt end. The surface is very smooth and polished. Light honey colour (L. Carreau, 26/11/2012).
Event Date 26/11/2012
Author: maa


FM:265460

Images (Click to view full size):