19th C. Polynesian Whale Tooth Tabua w/ Sennet Cord

South Pacific, Fiji Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A polished sperm whale tooth known as a tabua with a woven cord made from sennet attached to both tips of the tooth. The tooth is hand polished and has a yellow hue, which was often enhanced by rubbing turmeric and coconut oil across the surface, or by heating over a smokey fire. The tip of the root is cut off revealing the partially hollow center of the tooth. The lip of the root opening and other end are pierced, and brass wire rings are twisted through and attached to the thick sinnet cord which has been darkened to nearly black hue with fire, the terminal ends are wrapped with red cord to prevent fraying. Tabua are special and sacred items since the teeth were collected from whales washed up on shore which was rare occurrence. These necklaces were presented at formal ceremonies as gifts to esteemed recipients and by grooms to their intended brides. Size: 1.8" L x 5.2" W x 8" H (4.6 cm x 13.2 cm x 20.3 cm); 10.3" H (26.2 cm) on included custom stand.

This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010

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#184707
Condition Report: Braided strand attached to suspension holes of tabua pendant via modern metal wire. Pendant with minor abrasions and nicks, light earthen deposits, and yellowing to surface color, and braided strand with minor fraying and loosening, otherwise in excellent condition. Nice patina across pendant.